Someone has stepped forward after an appeal was issued
The ‘crocodile’ spotted in the canal
Mystery surrounding the sighting of a ‘crocodile’ in the Midlands has been solved.
Earlier this week, Derbyshire Constabulary’s rural crime team issued a statement saying the reptile was apparently spotted in a canal.
It was reported to the Canal and River Trust but when a team arrived, it was nowhere to be seen.
But it has since emerged the crocodile was actually stuffed, DerbyshireLive reports.
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A message on social media said: “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 humour 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.”
Police said the reptile was seen between bridge 22 and bridge 22a on the Trent and Mersey Canal, near to Mercia Marina, on Thursday, October 16.
A statement from police read: “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.
“We’re going to go out on a limb and guess this little guy isn’t native to Derbyshire and as such, if you can offer any information about the crocodiles whereabouts now, or, have knowledge of how it ended up at that site, please drop us a direct message or email us at DRCT@derbyshire.police.uk
“For clarification, although we cannot claim to be medical professionals.. we are acutely aware the crocodile is deceased.”
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