An emergency was declared in a seaside town after a reindeer escaped a Christmas event.
Police, Royal Marines and the coastguard undertook an extensive search for the missing animal in Formby, Merseyside yesterday.
Officers tracked the reindeer with its huge antlers before losing sight of it in the evening.
Multiple teams hurried to locate the fugitive amid fears it could end up in the River Mersey.
The Southport Offshore Rescue Trust said its quad team set out with thermal binoculars in a bid to find the lost animal.
Teams from HM Coastguard Southort and HM Coastguard Crosby were called in to assist, the charity said.
Fortunately the reindeer was spotted on the beach and brought into safety.
The group said: ‘Although capture proved difficult, the team successfully shepherded the animal into the sand dunes at Altcar Rifle Range, where a police drone maintained watch.
An emergency was declared in a seaside town after a reindeer escaped a Christmas event
It is believed the animal went missing from Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Formby
‘The reindeer eventually settled, allowing a vet, supported by Royal Marines, to safely secure it. Christmas is saved thanks to some great work from multiple agencies.’
It is believed the animal went missing from Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Formby.
One person who saw the reindeer told the Formby Bubble: ‘We thought it was a stag at first, but then a National Trust ranger asked if we’d seen a real reindeer.
‘We pointed them in the direction it went — literally trotting north up the beach. Then the police arrived. They’re really worried about it getting onto the road.’
A grateful local commented under a post announcing the capture: ‘Well done everyone! At first glance I thought there was a glow in the dark reindeer wandering around. My Christmas spirit soared a little.’
Another person said: ‘What a heart warming story, thanks everyone for saving Christmas xx.’
And a third added: ‘Someone have a word with Santa – he needs to keep his lads under control for another couple of weeks.’
