Swedish police are probing a malodorous fermented flying fish incident in which an open can of local delicacy surströmming was launched through the bedroom window of a 52-year-old Motala man.

Sweden's The Local describes the result as "breakfast in bed with a cruel and unusual twist", and according to our correspondent Mike Richards that pretty well sums it up, since he categorises the smell of surströmming as akin to "composted gorgonzola in a Viking's jockstrap".

The cops are treating the piscine projectile launch as "property damage", and reckon they have a pretty good idea who was responsible.

For the record, surströmming comprises fermented Baltic herring which are brewed "in-the-can", allowing bacteria to work their magic and produce the distinctive odour.

The tins are apparently banned by some airlines, since they may pose an explosive risk. Mercifully, al-Qaeda is unlikely to avail itself of this property to down aircraft because, according to Mike, you have to be "clinically Swedish" to even look at a can of the stuff without fainting. ®

Bootnote

Thanks to the commentator who pointed us in the direction of this vid demonstrating what happens when Brits confront a can of surströmming. Warning: contains some understandable profanity.