A CROCODILE has been found in a UK river with cops launching a frantic hunt to track the ancient beast down.
The lethal lizard was found dumped on the bank next to Trent and Mersey Canal in Derbyshire.
An angler hooked the 3ft beast out of the water and left it on the towpath between bridge 22 and bridge 22a, near Mercia Marina, Willington.
A walker snapped a picture and sent it into police, with cops then rushing to the scene to find it gone.
Derbyshire Constabulary then launched their “strangest appeal ever” on Thursday after they became worried about public safety.
The Canal and River Trust – who manage the UK’s canals – were also called to help find the crocodile.
But 24 hours later they have rescinded the appeal after the reptile turned out to be full of hay.
A call from a fisherman had solved the mystery.
Police thanked the public and said: “Derbyshire Crocodile Mystery 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 support and the good humour.
“It’s not every day we get to say we’ve dealt with a crocodile in Derbyshire.
“Keep your eyes peeled. You never know what might turn up next.”
Crocodiles are not native to the UK with the animals being at home in tropical regions around the world like Australia, India, and Africa.
Fearful that the crocodile was real and could be a danger to public safety officers had wisely launched an appeal for any sightings.
But they also advised they are not “medical professionals” and thought the crocodile was most likely dead.
A police spokesperson previously said: “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!
“We’re going to go out on a limb and guess this little guy isn’t native to Derbyshire.”
Crocodiles have been known to eat and kill humans with a 57-year-old Indian woman being snatched off the banks of the Kharastrota River recently.
Footage caught by locals showed the huge reptile swimming through the water with Mahala’s lifeless body in its mouth.
Villagers present on the riverbank tried to chase the reptile but failed to rescue her.
A sad similar case happened in Indonesia recently when a dad-of-four was bathing with loved ones when he was taken.
The horrifying attack took place along the Bulete River in South Sulawesi.
He could be heard wailing in agony as the predator holds its firm lock on him.
How to survive a crocodile encounter?
Crocodiles typically do not include humans in their diet, but they would eat just about anything if given the opportunity.
They are very protective of their territory – especially during mating season.
If you ever come face to face with a crocodile, you should back away slowly and quietly.
Any sudden movements may be seen as a threat to the crocodile.
Crocodiles are much faster on land than they appear, so after you have distanced yourself from it, run in a straight line away from the reptile.
If you find yourself in the water with a crocodile, avoid splashes and noises that can attract its attention.
Then get out as soon as you can – for they are agile swimmers.
If a crocodile does start attacking you, aim to hit its eyes with a sharp object or your hand.
