The Shiva Panda was kidnapped and seriously wounded last night when he was ambushed in a busy West End pub after a hard day's DJ practice in the centre of London, Muzz Khan reports.

He was struck upon only a matter of hours after leaving the Shiva studios at an undisclosed location in the centre of London. The victim was allegedly preparing for his debut set at the last Shiva event at the closing Canvas nightclub in King's Cross. An event where the Guinness Book Of Records examiners are expected to turn up, with a view to entering him into next year's book as the first-ever animal to hit the so-called 'wheels of steel'.....

Upon leaving the Shiva studios, the victim then proceeded to the Bear's Head pub opposite London Zoo for a quiet drink and a moment of reflection. After consuming his preferred tipple of Kronenbourg 1664, rumours are escalating that the wanted assailant was lurking in the background.....

What follows is unclear, but according to eyewitness accounts the Shiva Panda was seen in the little Panda's room doing what can only be politely described as a 'bathroom break'. It was here that the attack was alleged to have taken place. The victim was then dragged to another, as-yet-unidentified, location where the chilling attack is said to have continued. The hi-tech CCTV footage captured the following image.....

Concerns are mounting over the Panda's welfare and many are fearing the worst, in the light of the release of this horrific image posted on YouTube - showing the hooded youths documenting their crime. Police are now investigating this as a potential happy-slapping incident.....

Shiva head honcho Liam D has denied any involvement whilst being questioned by police, following preliminary enquiries by the RSPCA. Liam has dismissed alleged photographic evidence of him (above) by releasing the following statement:

"I categorically deny any involvement in this sickening crime. And, besides, I'm a lot more muscular than that gentleman in the picture."

Although, we can exclusively reveal that according to eyewitness accounts of his podgy belly in the party island, Ibiza, this summer his comments do not support this.

At present, the Shiva Panda is recovering in Whipsnade General Hospital in Dunstable, Bedfordshire - where his condition was described as serious but stable.

Liam D added:

"The Panda is facing a race against time to be ready for Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Panda's family and WWF. Let's keep our fingers crossed for a miracle and that the Panda will fulfil his debut, record-making set for Shiva this coming Saturday night."

Meanwhile, the National Enquirer reports that the Panda's progress is being filmed for a forthcoming episode of 'Animal Hospital' for the BBC. Rumours that Rolf Harris is to ask discerning viewers, who are watching the heavily-bruised Panda recover, if they can 'figure out what it is yet' have been rubbished by senior doctors at the hospital.

Police are appealing for witnesses and for anyone with information to come forward.

Please call Crimestoppers and quote 'Shiva Panda Incident 69'.

Or visit the Canvas nightclub on Saturday the 17th of November between the hours of 10pm and 6am for further details.....