Severed hand of gambler stolen from pub

The mummified hand of a cheating gambler, which was said to be cursed, has been stolen from the country pub where it was on display.

The hand, which is believed to have been cut off a gambler caught cheating at whist, was on display in a locked glass case at the Haunch of Venison pub in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

The relic clutches a pack of 18th-century playing cards and is rumoured to be cursed. It previously vanished in March 2004 but was mysteriously returned six weeks later. Thieves last week unscrewed the cabinet to take the hand, which was originally found during renovation work.



Chantelle Stefan, barmaid at the 684-year-old pub, said: ''The butcher chopped his hand off years ago and threw it into the fireplace. When we did the room out it was found again. As a listed building we keep everything and put it in a display case.

''They unscrewed the lock on the side. There are bars holding it against the wall. They might have done it as a prank. Hopefully we will get it back.''

According to local legend the ghost of the ''Demented Whist Player'' is said to haunt the pub, with many visitors noticing a cold sensation in certain parts of the building. Staff also complain that items are moved or hidden but reappear weeks later