A ferocious wild monitor lizard attacked a man who tried to catch it - before walking away with blood dripping from its teeth.

The 4ft long beast sparked panic when it was seen outside shops in Surat Thani, southern Thailand, on Monday afternoon (Aug 10).

One man who tried to grab it was then bitten - with the reptile sinking its jaws into his right calf.

He then collapsed on the ground with blood pouring from the wound as the monitor lizard walked away.

With blood covering its mouth and in attack mode, locals were too afraid to try and catch it again,.

Resident Pattanarut Onpradit said the lizard disappeared through an alleyway near a canal. When the emergency services arrived they were still unable to find it.

Pattanarut said: ''Everybody thinks that monitor lizards are easy to catch, but they are very aggressive and dangerous.

''The man had to go to the hospital to have his wound treated with antibiotics and he needed stitches.''

Officials warned locals not to approach wild monitor lizards that have ventured into residential areas - often in search of food. They advised locals to call the emergency services who will dispatch an animal catching team.