1 June 2007: The Attack of the Killer Hamster

A Worcestershire man nearly died after being attacked by his pet hamster.

The hamster escaped from its cage and crawled down under the floorboards of his home near Evesham. When the man reached down to retrieve his pet it bit him. Unfortunately the unnamed man had an allergy to the protein in the hamster's saliva, and suffered a severe allergic reaction. By the time medics reached the scene he was suffering severe breathing difficulties and was in a semi-conscious state.

Fortunately the ambulance crew were able quickly to administer anti-allergy drugs and rush him to hospital, where he made a full recovery.