Angry pig forces workmen fixing burst water main to flee

Pickle had to be coaxed away by packet of crisps

A pig named Pickle had to be coaxed away from a burst water main after charging at Thames Water workmen as they attempted to repair it in his field in Surbiton, southwest London, on 13 November 2019. (Thames Water/SWNS)

An “angry” pig forced workmen to abandon the burst water main they were fixing and flee after they were attacked.

The hog, named Pickle and believed to be a pet, charged at the engineers after finding them in his field on Wednesday.

He then stood guarding the damaged valve and had to be coaxed away by a packet of crisps.

The pipe burst in Surbiton, southwest London, causing damage to nearby railway equipment and delays to train services.

A Thames Water spokesperson said their efforts to reach a valve to cut the water were hindered by “a large pig” which was “acting aggressively”.

They added: “We’re sorry to anyone who has had a longer journey than normal because of the road closure.

“This is due to a burst on a 48-inch diameter pipe.

“Our engineers were quickly on site and are working hard to fix the pipe.”

A pig named Pickle had to be coaxed away from a burst water main after charging at Thames Water workmen as they attempted to repair it in his field in Surbiton, southwest London, on 13 November 2019. (Thames Water/SWNS)

The spokesperson added there would be no water outages for customers in the area or flooding to properties.

Additional reporting by SWNS.