Police were left a bit deflated after a call to tackle an escaped crocodile in Plymouth.

Officers received a call from a concerned member of the public from Cundy Close, Plymouth at 12.20pm today, reporting that an escaped crocodile approximately 3 ft in length was in their garden.

A spokesman said: "The caller was concerned for her child, the RSPCA and Dartmoor Zoo were informed and were on their way to the scene.

"Police officers in attendance bravely investigated, the beast turned out to be an inflatable toy crocodile! Police have apprehended the crocodile. Wildlife experts from Dartmoor Zoo stood down."