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THIEVES stole a litter of one-week-old piglets from a farm and are now suspected of running

a scam to sell them as pets.

The eleven piglets were snatched from beside their mother at Segment Farm on Pennington Lane, Earlestown.

They battered the sow with wooden sticks and it is believed they may have returned to the farm several times to gather all the piglets.

Owner Arthur Bevan, a butcher, believes many of the piglets will have died but there have been reports some are being offered for sale as pets in parts of St Helens.

It is feared crooks have been trying to pass off the piglets as ‘micro pigs’. These are trendy teacup sized pets favoured by some celebrities which sell for about £700.

Arthur, 60, from Burton wood and a part owner in Pimmies Pies, said: “It is cruel and despicable to take them away from their mother when they are so young.

“They are most probably dead but we’ve heard reports some are being offered for sale in Parr by people falsely claiming they are micro pigs (which do not grow and are kept bigger) and trying to sell them for £100 each.

“But these pigs would grow up to weigh a third of a tonne, they are bred for meat. I would be lucky to get £20 for them even when they are six weeks old and feeding properly.

“Anyone who may be transporting these animals without the proper documentation from DEFRA could face jail. So in many ways they are breaking the law.”

Merseyside Police confirmed to the Star they are investigating the unusual theft.

A police statement read: “Sometime during the evening of Friday, June 18, 11 piglets were taken from Segment Farm on Pennington Lane.

“Officers are urging members of the public not to buy any livestock that is offered to them illegally and to report anyone attempting to sell livestock illegally to the police.

“Anyone who may be able to help the police with their enquiries regarding this theft can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”