Rugby club officials had no problem p-p-p-p-icking out a missing person when they were called into Wigan police station - it was a six foot toy penguin!

percy the penguin
©Unknown
Jailbird ID: Percy the Penguin ... and how he might look along with the Usual Suspects


St Patrick's ARLFC officials thought they'd never see their unofficial mascot "Percy" again after it was stolen from outside the clubhouse.

But police caught up with him a few days later when a member of the public reported "a penguin suit lying in the road" in Darlington Street, Scholes near the club's HQ.

The jailbird was locked up in the police compound - and club officials were told they had have to come down and identify him before he could be released.

Chairman Bill Atherton said: "We'd put Percy outside during a charity fund-raiser to make room for an extra table and he disappeared.

"When the police phoned to say they had him we all thought it was a wind-up by the people who stole him, but someone drove past the police station and there he was sitting in the rain in the compound.

"We couldn't believe it when the police said we'd have to come down, identify him and sign for him but apparently they have to do that with all
stolen property - even a 6ft stuffed penguin.

"I think the police found it funny as well. We are even wondering if they had to arrest him to get him in the police van.

"We have all had a good laugh and some of the lads have videoed his release from the police station. But we're just glad he's back home."

Police confirmed they were called to Darlington Street by a concerned member of the public as cars dodged round what the witness thought was a "man lying in the road dressed in fancy dress as a penguin."

Percy was too big for a conventional police car and a people carrier was called.

The strapping penguin will be back propping up the bar after a bit of smartening up after his ordeal.