Rare slipper orchid flower stolen

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Police investigate orchid theft

Plant thieves have struck for the second time in five years after part of a rare Lady's Slipper orchid was stolen from a golf club in Lancashire.

This year, the purple and yellow plant produced seven slipper-like flowers, but only six remain after one was stolen from its Silverdale location.

The damage is not likely to have caused any long term harm to the plant.

Lancashire Police are investigating the incident and said it may have been stolen to order for a collector.

"It is completely illegal to even touch this plant, you would need a special licence for it," said Rob Petley-Jones, from English Nature.

"It was not as bad as in 2004 when nearly all the plant's rootstock was dug up and stolen. It has spoilt a lot of people's enjoyment".

The Lady's slipper orchid - Cypripedium calceolus - is believed to be the rarest orchid in the UK.