Chinese village’s ‘magic’ stalk cut down by police because it’s ‘superstitious’

Local authorities in east China have cut down a giant sorghum stalk that villagers had started venerating for its “magical” qualities.

Police in Heze in Shandong province confirmed that the 5.7-metre (18.7ft) tall stalk had been uprooted and villagers had be warned their actions were superstitious.