Passersby joined police in a chase around a market town to catch two runaway piglets.

It was just after midnight when surprised police received a call to say the two, nicknamed Bonnie and Clyde, were on the run in the centre of Henley.

There was a brisk chase involving five police officers, but unlike the Tamworth two who were on the loose for several days, the Henley hogs were soon under arrest and taken into protective custody.

Civilian duty officer John Slade said: "They were just found wandering around but it took quite an effort to round them up. They were quite prepared to squeal however when they were arrested. When I came in they were still making a lot of noise and looking all forlorn in the kennel we keep for lost dogs," he said.

Police investigations drew a blank and it looked as thought the two had had their bacon until a local farmer stepped in. The piglets are now living at Foxbury Farm, Brize Norton, thanks to farmer Colin Dawes and are entertaining his two children Stuart, ten, and Rebecca, seven.

Mr Dawes, who also has a farm in Henley, said: "They have labelled them Bonnie and Clyde after the runaway lovers.

"They are now very happy and living in their new love nest here. They look very much at home in their own special shelter."

Henley police are used to such unusual prisoners.

Mr Slade said: "We get the usual dogs, but we've even had a couple of sheep and a swan. It's quite a menagerie."

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