'My gold bar worth thousands is missing in the post'

Royal Mail said it was investigating and took the safety and security of all items in its care extremely seriously

A man has said a gold bar worth thousands of pounds had gone missing in the post.

Rob Hobson, from Torquay, said the 100g (0.1kg) gold Britannia bar he bought as an investment had been valued at £9,731 and he had agreed a buyback offer from The Royal Mint.

He said he sent it by special delivery with extra insurance - where the maximum compensation is £750 - but it did not arrive at its destination.

Royal Mail said it was investigating and would be in direct contact with Mr Hobson, while and Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were carrying out inquiries after receiving a report of the missing item.

Rob Hobson said he bought extra insurance and sent the bar by special delivery

"It's a lot of money to lose, I'm not a wealthy man," Mr Hobson said.

"It was a long-term investment. It came from money from my dad's inheritance.

"It's a massive loss - this was to form part of my pension, I'm 11 months from retirement and now completely lost."

Royal Mail said it took the safety and security of all items in its care extremely seriously.

Rob Hobson said he bought the gold bar with his inheritance