Squirrel fears over Rooney ring

LONDON (Reuters) - Treasure hunters have been warned to stay away from a colony of red squirrels after the Sun reported the rare creatures' nature reserve may be hiding a 25,000 pound engagement ring.


The diamond and platinum ring was thrown into the Formby Point nature reserve near Liverpool by the fiancee of 18-year old soccer star Wayne Rooney after a row, the tabloid said.


Rooney, who earns 50,000 pound a week, became a national hero after a sparkling performance while playing for England during the Euro 2004 soccer competition this summer in Portugal.


The National Trust said the 300 squirrels would be disturbed if people started looking for the ring.


"We are quite concerned about loads of people trampling around," National Trust spokeswoman Debbie Pears told Reuters.


"We don't allow metal detectors on National Trust land and we are asking people to stay away so they do not disturb the squirrels."