Runaway reindeer sparks major search at seaside

A reindeer sparked a huge search operation after it went on the run in a seaside town.

Armed police officers, the Coastguard and members of the Royal Marines were called in to track down the animal from north Wales, called Buddy, after he fled a festive celebration in Formby, Merseyside, on Saturday.

The antlered escapee was eventually captured several hours later after falling asleep in the dunes of a nearby beach, before being returned to his owners.

Southport Lifeboat described the events as "bizarre", adding: "It's quite topical for the time of year though, isn't it?"

Merseyside Police said it began receiving reports the reindeer had gone missing at about 13:45 GMT on Saturday.

Worried it might end up in a nearby river, the force called in teams from HM Coastguard Southport and HM Coastguard Crosby to help locate it.

The animal was later discovered on Formby beach using thermal binoculars, while a local lifeboat quad bike team stepped in to shepherd it into some sand dunes.

Monitored by a police drone, an exhausted Buddy finally laid down to rest as a vet administered some sedatives in the early hours of Sunday.

The vet was supported by some Royal Marines, who were on exercise at a firing range close by.

Buddy was then placed in a trailer and returned to his stable.

"Christmas is saved thanks to some great work from multiple agencies," Southport Lifeboat added.

Local Facebook group Formby Bubble shared a message from Buddy's owners, posting: "We're happy to report that Buddy is now safe, warm and snuggled up back home in north Wales.

"After his unexpected seaside adventure, he is enjoying some well-earned rest in his cosy stable and will be taking it easy for the rest of the year."