THE hunt for a pub fox at the centre of a kidnap drama has turned into the "biggest chase since Bonnie and Clyde".

Mr Fox, as he is known to locals at the Nab's Head Hotel in Samlesbury, usually adorns a wall of the pub.

But he went missing during a blackout in recent storms and puzzled publicans David and Helena Shorrocks feared he had been kidnapped after receiving a string of taunting communiques from across the country.

They were interviewed by CKST Radio of Vancouver in Canada after disc jockey David Geddes read a Lancashire Evening Telegraph story of their plight on the Internet.

Now they have received further correspondence from the kidnappers from the Isle of Man, Germany and Spain. They have also received faxed messages from New Scotland Yard and a special "fox squad" turned up at the pub and cordoned off Mr Fox's wall with blue police tape.

Pub regulars have been leaving flowers at the scene and wearing special blue ribbons of remembrance.

The couple, who are threatening to hold a court hearing of the culprits and flog them in public with Mr Fox's tail, said they were amazed by the response to the story.

Two customers, songwriter Ken Cooke and musician John Livesley, have even written and recorded a special song called 'Foxed if I know' which is being released on CD.

Mr Fox has been part of the fixtures and fittings at the Nab's Head for over a decade.

If you know Mr Fox's whereabouts, please contact Helena or David Shorrocks in complete confidence on 01254 852455.

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