This is the amusing moment a cheeky kangaroo attacked the gates of the Russian embassy in Australia.

Surveillance cameras captured the marsupial's attempt to break into the building in Canberra on August 11.

The animal was seen hopping along the pavement before stopping in front of the gates to inspect the facade of the embassy. Its interest apparently piqued, it then tries to force its way through the gaps.

The kangaroo managed to squeeze its upper body through the narrow space the first time, but hopped back out and tried again.

When its second attempt at trespassing failed, it was forced to move on, leaping away from the Russian 'fortress'.

The Russian embassy said it 'recorded an attempt of unauthorised entry,' adding that no one was hurt during the incident.

Embassy spokesman Ilya Roshchenkov said: 'There are not so many kangaroos in Russia. In Moscow zoo, there are some. They are very pretty.'

Kangaroos are the tallest marsupials, typically growing up to six feet tall. They live in herds in East Australia. When threatened, they are capable of throwing powerful punches and kicks to fend off attackers.