A 'baby crocodile' found on the side of a Winsford road sparked a snappy response from the RSPCA officer dispatched to rescue it - but thankfully they didn't need to call upon the services of Crocodile Dundee in the end as it turned out to be a realistic-looking plastic toy.

Understandably alarmed members of the public contacted the animal welfare charity to report their spot on the A54, near Oakmere Road, on Friday (September 9).

Even animal collection officer Lauren Bradshaw admitted she thought the figure was real too when she first saw it.

As she steeled herself to conduct surely one of the most unusual rescues of her career, she noticed its paintwork.

Panic over! On closer inspection, RSPCA officer Lauren Bradshaw realised it was just a toy

She explained: “I thought looking for a green reptile along a grass verge was going to prove almost impossible, but then I noticed something in the distance on a grid by the road side.

“As I approached, it looked very pale in colour and I thought it must be some kind of lizard - but then as I got nearer, it became clear that it was a crocodile just basking in the sunshine.

“I’ve never handled a crocodile before so I had to think about the best way to pick it up.

"I decided to approach from the side, and as I did so that’s when I noticed some red paint inside its mouth. So I reached out to pick it up and just burst out laughing - yes it was a crocodile, but it turns out it was a plastic one made in China!

“We get called to many things but this was definitely a first.

“There is the phrase ‘never smile at a crocodile’ - but on this occasion I couldn’t help it. One thing is for sure - a day in the life as an RSPCA officer is never dull.”