4 JANUARY 2003, Page 24

Baguette snatcher

From Mr Christopher Stephens

Sir: Petronella Wyatt's description of her encounter with a baboon (Singular life, 7 December) reminded me of how, in Cape National park, I was mugged by a baboon. I was about to take the clingfilm off a filled baguette, when one of these thieving beasts sprinted from under a touring coach and, with all the grace and speed of a rugby player, sprang at me and sank its teeth into my lunch. A brief tug-of-war followed, but I gave up, not wishing the thief to pierce my flesh and infect me with rabies or some other disease.

Chris Stephens

Madeley Court, Hemingford Grey, Cambs