Threatened stockist scraps pate de foie gras

A Shropshire store owner today claimed he had been "strong-armed" out of selling pate de foie gras after he was harassed at home following an online campaign.

Simon King, who runs the French Pantry in Ludlow, said he would not re-order the pate after his current stock ran out.

He said he had been called anonymously at home and on his mobile and received a threatening e-mail.

He said: "We have been strong-armed out of it, we have not been peacefully persuaded."

Mr King, who visited his supplier in France to check the welfare of the animals, said he had not changed his mind on the principle and would be taking part in a radio debate on Sunday.

The campaign began on Monday when a Facebook page "We want the French Pantry in Ludlow to stop selling Foie Gras" called for a boycott of the store, along with Ludlow's two Michelin-starred restaurants, Mr Underhills and La Becasse.

It also told people to boycott Deli on the Square, The Feathers Hotel, Dinham Hall Hotel and Fishmore Hotel. It now has just under 500 members.

Oliver Squire, from Ludlow, who started a petition to go with the Facebook page, said they wanted people to protest politely to retailers. Inspector Ken Mackaill, for south Shropshire police , said they were investigating a complaint.