Merlin, the family guinea pig, makes a magical return

Poor Merlin the guinea pig was spirited away along with other property from the Moye family's home in Kent Close while travellers were illegally camped in the Glyne Gap field nearby. The stolen property included a cycle, a skateboard, badminton racquets and roller skates. Thanks to Inspector Max Mosley who instituted a search of caravans and vehicles camped on the field last week, most of the property was recovered.

All except the unfortunate Merlin.

Mother-of-two Tara Moye said: "I would just like to say how pleased I am with the police. They helped me immensely and recovered most of the things that had been stolen."

But daughters Michelle, 10, and Nicola, four, grieved for the missing Merlin.

Their mother said: "What made it all the worse was that a few weeks ago their other guinea pig died.

"We searched down the track behind the house for ages for Merlin. Then about 8.30 at night when all the hubbub had died down the dog sniffed him out among the stinging nettles. My daughters are just so delighted to have him back again.

"We still have some other stuff missing. But we are just so glad to get Merlin back."

Police took the details of two boys who admitted the thefts. Though the boys are under ten and therefore under the age of criminal responsibility, the incident will remain on file.

Tara said: "They just jumped over the fence and got into the shed and helped themselves. The day before we had caught them at it but they just stuck two fingers up and ran off..."