Some might say the sight of pot bellies outside pubs at closing time is not a rarity.

But one astounded passer-by recently spotted a pot bellied pig outside The Bear pub in Noak Hill Road, Harold Hill just after 11.30pm.

The police were alerted and the porky pedestrian was promptly taken off to Romford Police Station.

Officers contacted experts - in the shape of the Pot Bellied Club in County Durham about rehousing it.

They referred the police on to the Rescuers' Wildlife Sanctuary in Benfleet, which is run by David and Heather Kemp.

Mr Kemp said: "We collected the pig from the police station and probably saved it from a fate far worse than we can contemplate.

"It would have had nowhere else to go. We saved the animal's life."

His wife Heather said: "Pigs are extremely intelligent animals. It is highly likely that it was set free by an owner who didn't want him."

RSPCA regional spokesman Klare Kennett said: "We would have considered taking the pig in if all animal sanctuaries were full. Putting animals down is rare but sometimes happens in such circumstances as this."

Police are asking its owner to come forward. They can be contacted on 01268 752923.

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