A WARRINGTON Guardian photographer had his film confiscated on Tuesday as he captured the full horror of the slaughter of the lambs.

Ian Park was taking photographs from the public highway in Crouchley Lane to illustrate how the sheep were being humanely killed, when he was verbally threatened by a slaughterman contracted to the Intervention Board.

"He said I had to hand over the film or he would hit me," said Ian.

"A borough council officer intervened and said he would speak to his boss who would get in touch with my editor and I felt reassured that my film would be safe so I handed it over."

When quizzed by Guardian staff, one council officer first said the film had been destroyed but later admitted that the slaughterman had it. As the Guardian went to press, no-one knew who had the film.

Warrington Borough Council's head of communications Bob Williams said: "Having investigated this matter thoroughly we are completely satisfied that the film was not handed over to a council employee. The council would have no reason to confiscate such film and strongly deny any accusations made to the contrary."

An Intervention Board spokesman said it was looking in to the matter and endeavouring to trace the film.