This is the dramatic moment a wild monitor lizard sparked panic when it rampaged through a shoe shop in Malaysia.

The huge reptile scampered into the building and darted behind the counter as terrified staff ran for cover. The lizard then charged across the shelves, knocking pairs of high heels onto the ground.

Brave locals approached the Godzilla-like animal but it growled and hissed violently at them. It was eventually dragged outside by the tail by a painter and decorator who was working nearby.

The traumatised shopkeeper said: 'This was the most frightening thing that had ever happened in the building.

'The monitor lizard was ferocious. It damaged a lot of the products. Then when the man tried to remove it, it was clinging to walls. It did not want to leave.'