THE hunt is on for the Joker behind a case of vowel-play who has turned a popular Stroud sports shop into a branch of Wayne Enterprises.

By stealing the ‘E’ from the sign above Bateman’s in Kendrick Street, a Robin villain has effectively turned the store into ‘Batmans’.

The situation has proved to be a real 'Bane-in-the-neck' for owner Andy Bateman, who says it will cost £180 for a new letter.

It is hoped a Caped Crusader will come forward and help solve the riddle.

The shop - which ironically has ‘two faces’, one looking out to Kendrick Street and the other London on Road - has been in its current location since the 1940s but the business has traded in the town since 1893.