Police sped to reports of a crocodile on the loose in a village - only to realise that it was the plastic head of a toy sticking out of a puddle.

A 'crocodile' false alarm sparked panic in a Buckinghamshire village

A 'crocodile' false alarm sparked panic in a Buckinghamshire village

A concerned member of the public called Thames Valley Police last week after spotting what seemed to be a reptile in floodwater near the village of Cholesbury in Buckinghamshire.

When they arrived at the crocodile scene, officers were grateful to find that it was only the plastic head of a toy floating in the puddle.

The police saw the funny side as they took an image of an officer grappling with the 'crocodile' head.

Thames Valley Police South Buckinghamshire posted on Facebook: "Crikey! It's not every day that you get sent to reports of a crocodile in flood water near Cholesbury.

"Do not be alarmed, the croc is now with us at the police station."

The force also joked: "Did you know that it is not that difficult to tell alligators and crocodiles apart? One will see you later whereas the other will see you in a while."