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Pub's pink painting sparks probe Pub's pink painting sparks probe
(about 2 hours later)
Officers are investigating why a black and white Herefordshire pub has been painted pink. Mystery decorators are alleged to have painted a historic black-and-white Herefordshire pub bright pink during the night.
Police said the owner of the Prince of Wales in Ledbury and pub tenant "had no idea" who painted it and officers did not know if it was criminal damage. The owner and tenant of The Prince of Wales in Ledbury told police they had no idea who painted the Grade I listed building without permission.
"The whole front of the building has been painted in a glorious Barbie pink," a police spokesman said."The whole front of the building has been painted in a glorious Barbie pink," a police spokesman said.
He said building regulations had been breached because no permission was obtained to paint the Grade I property. Officers are trying to decide whether it is criminal damage.
They said building regulations had been breached because no permission was obtained to paint the 16th Century property.
'Good house'
Landlord Les Smith and his wife Elaine arrived at the pub to discover the new colour scheme, according to the couple.
Elaine Smith said: "We left.. on Monday evening, and when Les came to open up at 8am the next morning the pub was pink.
"We have no idea who did it. We've never had any bother with vandals and we keep a good house here - there is never any swearing or being abusive."
The decorators left a receipt for their work, saying "Invoice for works carried out at the Prince of Wales Pub, Ledbury, Herefordshire. Payment received - many thanks".
Carrying ladders
Pete Butcher, West Mercia Police spokesman, added: "Police have been unable to establish at this stage if the pink brushwork constitutes criminal damage or whether it is some form of prank or publicity stunt by persons unknown."Pete Butcher, West Mercia Police spokesman, added: "Police have been unable to establish at this stage if the pink brushwork constitutes criminal damage or whether it is some form of prank or publicity stunt by persons unknown."
He said two men in overalls and carrying ladders and equipment painted the pub in Church Lane about 0600 GMT on Tuesday.He said two men in overalls and carrying ladders and equipment painted the pub in Church Lane about 0600 GMT on Tuesday.
They left a receipt under the door, which contained false details, he said.They left a receipt under the door, which contained false details, he said.
The painting was reported by bar staff. It will cost several thousands pounds to correct said police who have appealed for information.
It will cost several thousands pounds to correct, added police who have appealed for information. Mr and Mrs Smith, who have run the pub for six years, are planning to return the pub to its original black and white state as soon as possible.