A hapless monitor lizard was found stuck in a fence next to homes in Thailand.

The chubby 5ft-long creature attempted to crawl through the space between the old rusty gate and a metal sheet in Samut Prakan province, Thailand on February 15.

However, it ended up being stuck and was only discovered by locals in the morning.

Footage shows the creature sandwiched between the structures in an awkward position.

Animal rescue officer Paisan Srisawat said: ‘The lizard was too big for the space. It was making noise while trying to wriggle out of the fence until someone heard it.'

The volunteers used a metal rod to push the metal sheet off and free the creature.

Paisan added: ‘It ran away after being freed. We hope it chooses where to pass by next time more carefully.'

Asian water monitor lizards normally live in canals, swamps, sewers and ponds in cities in Thailand. They feed on fish, snakes, frogs and scraps of food left by humans.

The reptiles are aggressive when threatened and have a mildly venomous bite which sometimes carries harmful bacteria. The Godzilla-like reptiles are also a protected species in the country so their population thrives.