Police are investigating the disappearance of Lady Beatrice Pemberton and one of Teabridge’s most treasured artefacts just days before the official opening of Tea Week.
Lady Beatrice, the current Guardian of the Porcelain Pinkie, was last seen on the evening of 11 July after collecting the artefact ahead of its planned presentation at the historic Pump Rooms.
She was expected to deliver the Pinkie later that evening.
She never arrived.
Attempts to contact Lady Beatrice were unsuccessful, and police subsequently confirmed that both she and the Porcelain Pinkie were missing.
Teabridge Constabulary has stated that no ransom demand has been received.
The Porcelain Pinkie has been protected by generations of the Pemberton family and was due to form the centrepiece of this year’s Tea Week celebrations.
Police are examining Lady Beatrice’s movements in the hours before her disappearance.
Several Tea Week activities have been postponed while organisers await further information.
Anyone who saw Lady Beatrice on the evening of 11 July has been asked to contact Teabridge Constabulary.