Who killed Paul The Octopus? New film promotes conspiracy theories

Paul, the Weymouth-born psychic octopus that shot to fame after correctly predicting the results of World Cup 2010 matches is at the centre of a new conspiracy theory film following its death earlier this week.

The cephalopod, which was born at Weymouth Sea Life Park and moved to the Oberhausen Sea Life Centre in Germany, was reported to have passed away peacefully at the age of two and a half - the normal life span for an octopus - on Monday.

But claims of a cover up have now emerged after Jiang Xiao, who directed Who Killed Paul The Octopus?, alleged Paul actually died in July but his demise was kept secret by the aquarium. The Chinese filmmaker goes on to claim in The Daily Mail that he was replaced by another octopus because "they all look the same. It is impossible to tell the difference."

A spokesman for the aquarium has denied the claims and insists that Paul died a "simple and straightforward" death.

The centre has opened a book of condolence for visitors to sign and there are plans to cremate him soon. His ashes will be kept in a shrine along with photos and film clips of Paul's life.

Another film has been made about Paul's life by Cinema Vertigo and is due to be released early next year. Tentacles of Divination is a documentary featuring interviews with Michelle Childerley, the pet psychic who 'spoke' to the octopus who captured millions of fans before he died.