IT is a mystery that would confound even the great sleuth Sherlock Holmes.

Forget the Hound of the Baskervilles, the case of the missing skittle balls has left the landlord and customers of a Worcester pub scratching their heads.

Marc Johnson who manages the Coppertops in Oldbury Road, St John's, Worcester said the three balls had been taken around five weeks ago.

He now hopes someone can donate new ones so he can continue to offer his popular beer and skittles parties which are one of the revenue streams the pub depends on.

The 43-year-old says the skittles teams who play at the alley often bring their own kit which does not pose a problem.

But when someone does not have their own kit and wants to book the room for a beer and skittles party he has been left a little stumped and so far has had to borrow the necessary equipment.

Mr Johnson does not know whether the balls have been stolen or picked up by mistake. He has not involved West Mercia Police and said he would ask no questions if the balls were returned.

Mr Johnson said: "It's a mystery. Hopefully someone has some spares but if someone turns up with them (the balls) in a carrier bag and drops them off then I'm quite happy.

"This is about getting another set, not pointing the finger. Now we have the skittles but not the balls. As a business this has reduced our options."

Around twice a month they have a beer and skittles party which brings in customers and money to the pub which has been building up its trade since Mr Johnson took over the running of the pub in October 2014.

Mr Johnson bought the second-hand balls on eBay and worked on building the skittle alley himself, opening it ahead of last year's August Bank Holiday.

He said: "I spent most of last summer working on the alley. There was no skittle alley here before. This was all done fresh. The balls are around £100 each new. I haven't got that kind of money."

He said he was hoping someone might have some second-hand skittle balls the pub could use.

He may have to introduce a deposit scheme next time if any balls are donated.

Mr Johnson added: "Before this it was more of a trust thing."

The skittle alley is in the basement of the pub in what had been the restaurant and later a nightclub.

If you can help Mr Johnson call him on 01905 749700.