Dated: 29 April 2011

Missing: Michelin Man Kidnapped

In the early hours of Friday 22nd a heinous crime was committed - the Michelin man was kidnapped.

Well, ok it wasn’t THE Michelin man – more formally known as Bibendum - no, he is safe and sound.

However, what was stolen was a 4ft statue of the famous tyre celebrity – one of the oldest trademarks in the world (first introduced to the world at the Lyon Exhibition of 1894).

Last seen outside the Michelin Tyre factory in County Antrim, police believe that the statue – worth an estimated £2500 – was taken early on Good Friday.

Unfortunately for the French figure, there seems to have been a sign of struggle as his foot was left at the scene: