Left shoe fanatic held in Japan

Only the left shoe will do

Japanese police have arrested a man for theft after 440 women's left shoes were found in his home.

Officers discovered the hoard after the man, 45, was initially arrested for stealing the left shoes of two women from a hospital in Usa, police said.

The hospital, which asks visitors to change into slippers, said people had complained about missing shoes.

The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said the man, Ichiro Irie, told police: "I have been interested in women's feet."

A police spokesman said the search of his house uncovered 440 hidden left shoes.

He said Mr Irie had admitted to stealing the footwear, which included high heels and nurses' sandals.

It was not clear why Mr Irie appeared to prefer the left foot.

Police are investigating whether he may have been stealing from other locations.