'Escaped pet crocodile' mystery

The snappy warning reads: "Escaped pet on the loose"

People using a public park in Kingswinford have been warned to be on the lookout for an escaped crocodile.

But investigations have shown it is almost certain to be a hoax.

The notice, on a Dudley Council letterhead, advises people to be careful when feeding the ducks after several sightings of the creature.

It says it may have thrived in recent "sub tropical" weather. People are asked to contact the council's escaped pet unit, which does not exist.

People using the park said no-one had seen the creature but were keeping a wary eye when they went near the duck pond.

No-one from the council was available for comment.