By Ed Chatterton
Police investigating the sighting of a crocodile in a UK canal have revealed the mystery has been solved after it turned out to be a stuffed model.
Residents had been left in fear after the reptile was spotted near to Mercia Marina, in Willington, Derbys., last week.
Derbyshire Police took to social media to launch “one of their strangest ever appeals” alongside a photo which prompted panic among some villagers.
But the force has now revealed the discovery of the dumped crocodile turned out to be “more fluff than fear.”
Officers found the croc was a stuffed taxidermy model, filled with hay, and had been caught by a fisherman.
Derbyshire Rural Crime Team wrote on Facebook: “A huge thank you to everyone who shared our recent appeal about the crocodile spotted near a South Derbyshire canal.
“We can now confirm the mystery has been solved!
“A member of 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’s support, the shares, and the good humor throughout.
“It’s not every day we get to say we’ve dealt with a crocodile in Derbyshire!
“Thanks again – and keep your eyes peeled… you never know what might turn up next! In a while…..”
Last week, the force said they were called to the Trent and Mersey Canal to reports of a crocodile in the waterway.
An image had been sent to them by a member of the public but when they arrived the creature was nowhere to be seen.
Officers then issued “probably the strangest appeal ever to grace our Facebook page” alongside a picture of the scaly suspect.
They posted: “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!
“The crocodile was allegedly sighted between bridge 22 and 22a on the Trent and Mersey Canal, nearby to Mercia Marina, Willington sometime over the last 24-48 hours.
“The report was sent to the Canal and River Trust however, on their arrival, the crocodile was no longer present.”
Baffled locals reacted with shock on social media, with one person saying: “Well, that’ll make paddleboarding that section more interesting.”
Another quipped: “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.”
A third added: “I just hope there isn’t anymore that are still alive.”
Others have since spoke of their relief after it was revealed to be a false alarm.
One person said: “Brilliant!! … really made me smile once it was revealed what it was! I can imagine it gave you all a bit of a shock, lol.”
Another put: “Thank goodness for that, no need to call Crocodile Dundee.”
