This is the dramatic moment locals remove a crocodile from a ditch in their village after heavy rain in India.

Footage shows a group of brave residents, soaked in mud, carrying the 6ft reptile, which is securely tied with rope around its jaws and body.

They attempted to lift the predator from the ditch while several men waited above to assist, but the beast resisted violently before eventually falling.

Villagers said they were shocked to find the croc trapped in the pit following an intense downpour in the region.

No injuries were reported during the encounter in Etah, Uttar Pradesh. Local media said the creature was captured safely and later released back into its natural habitat.

India has two main crocodile species - the saltwater crocodile and the mugger crocodile, which inhabits freshwater rivers.