Pub bosses baffled by pigs held for ransom

Pub bosses say they are baffled by the alleged 'pig-napping' of two miniature hogs and a ransom message demanding £200 to save their bacon.

Three-year-old pets Humbug and Truffle disappeared from their enclosure at St John Inn near Torpoint on Wednesday.



Then comes the twist in the tale – the pub managers claim a mystery man called the pub demanding an envelope of cash be left at a nearby red telephone box in exchange for the animals' safe return.

Dan Bettinson, who runs the country inn with business partner Lauren Edlin, said he was unsure whether they are being told porkies.



The 20-year-old said: "It's absurd. We weren't sure whether to take it for real to start with. The crime rate in St John is probably in the minuses. We are a sleepy little village. This is just strange."

An answering machine message, in a heavy Cornish accent, states: "If you want to know where they are, leave £200 in a brown envelope in the red telephone box at the top of the lane and they will be back tonight."