THE owner of a pet pig is warning people of the dangers of wild boar.

John Freeman, from Lightmoor, breeds pedigree Kune Kune pigs and has a boar.

Last Sunday he awoke to the sound of what he said was a "squeal" and found it was because his pet boar was being attacked by a wild boar.

He said: "It was in the early hours of Sunday morning when I heard a squealing noise and looked out to find my fence had been broken and my boar was being attacked.

"It looked like a feral boar had burrowed underneath my fence, which, unfortunately, doesn't have any barbed wire, and then bit into the neck and shoulders of my boar. I went out to try and stop it but all I could do was shout – but it didn't take any notice. I tried to trap it in my paddock by closing the gate but noticed later that it had got back under the gap in the fence and disappeared.

"My poor boar was traumatised for a few days and has only just started standing and feeding again. I would say the boar that attacked mine was at least 50kilos heavier and a lot taller which put him at an advantage.

"As a precautionary measure I had to get my boar injected against any infections the feral boar may have passed. However, this is a stark warning to people that the boar are dangerous and do not see a fence as a barrier from getting to where they want to go. I've got a fence to keep my pigs in, not out, and didn't think that this would happen."

•Meanwhile, a Yorkley man has almost exhausted all resources trying to find out who is responsible for the wild boar.

Harry Kear has contacted numerous organisations linked to the boar in search of the elusive answer to the problem which is spreading across the Forest.

Mr Kear said: "Everybody seems to have a problem with the boar whether it's because it's causing damage to their land or chasing after their dog in the forest. I have a dog but unfortunately, where I live there aren't any pavements but grass verges which the boar has mooted up. I wish to know who is responsible for my health and safety when I have to resort to walking on the road especially on dark winter nights.

"I have written to the Forestry Commission, Forest of Dean District Council and Natural England to name a few who have all denied responsibility. My main concern is that there is a duty of care to ensure public safety which doesn't appear to be considered."