Police launch bizarre probe after CROCODILE found in UK river

An angler hooked out the 3ft croc from the water and lifted it on the towpath.

Police rushed to the scene to find the crocodile had gone after a passerby took a picture of it.

Derbyshire Constabulary then issued its "strangest appeal ever", due to fears over public safety.

The Canal and River Trust, which looks after the UK's canals, were also called to help find the reptile.

However, 24 hours later, they have removed their appeal after the reptile turned out to be full of hay.

The force received a call from a fisherman who cracked the mystery.

Police thanked the public and said: "Derbyshire Crocodile Mystery Solved.

"A member of the public has come forward and explained that the crocodile was a stuffed taxidermy one, filled with hay, and inadvertently caught while fishing.

"While it gave us all a bit of a surprise, it turns out this one was more fluff than fear.

"We're incredibly grateful for the public support and the good humour."

The force noted that it is "not every day we get to say we've dealt with a crocodile in Derbyshire".

It added: "Keep your eyes peeled. You never know what might turn up next."

Crocodiles are not native to the UK, with the reptile typically found in tropical regions like Australia and Africa.

Fearing the croc could be real and a danger to the public, officers wisely launched an appeal for any sightings.

A police spokesman said: "We know this is probably the strangest appeal ever to grace our Facebook page.

"However, we are appealing for your help in relation to a suspected crocodile that was reported dumped in South Derbyshire.

"Yes, you read that correctly… a crocodile!

"We're going to go out on a limb and guess this little guy isn't native to Derbyshire."

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