Devon hotel removes stag's head after a series of threats

A Devon hotelier has removed the head of a giant red deer, widely believed to be the "Emperor of Exmoor", from the wall of her hotel after being "bombarded" with threats.

The Emperor stag, which stood at nearly 9ft tall, was reportedly shot dead by a licensed hunter during the annual rut on Exmoor last year.

The Hartnoll hotel in Bolham, which is located nine miles from where the stag was killed, was lent the mounted head about a month ago.

But a hotel employee, who did not want to be named, told the BBC that it had been taken down on Monday following a number threats made by telephone and e-mail, but declined to say what the threats were.

Hotel owner Claire Carter, who has refused to reveal who loaned her the stag's head, said it would be "fantastic" if it was the Emperor of Exmoor.

"They all look the same don't they, so I didn't ask... maybe it's a relative," she said.

No complaints have been made to the police about the threats.

New lead in missing chef case >>

Simon Cowell's brother is new owner of Hotel Verta >>

By Janie Stamford

E-mail your comments to Janie Stamford here.

If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/tabletalk

Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs

Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs