A runaway raccoon was found wandering in a woman's garden - with locals still none the wiser as to where the animal came from.

Residents in Gwennap, Cornwall were told to keep an eye out after the animal was seen on the loose in Hayley Fairburn's garden yesterday (13/11).

The 36-year-old was at home when she saw the mammal roaming freely on her garden patio.

Her dog Struddle looked puzzled by the unexpected visitor and Hayley thought she was "loosing her marbles" - as she knew the animals are native to North America."

She filmed a video of the mammal and sent it to her partner which then ended up with RSPCA Cornwall.

The charity said the raccoon has since been taken to a wildlife centre and is "safe"."

Hayley said: "My dog started going crazy and I thought he was seeing a cat. "

"I was very shocked to find a raccoon in my garden."

"I thought I was losing my marbles. We don't get them in the UK so I started looking for information online. "

"I have seen them in the past because I spent a lot of time in the US and Central America. "

"I am not sure where it came from. It might have been someone local who kept it illegally. "

"I am hoping someone can find out where it came from in case there's more."

Hayley's neighbours then found the raccoon in their greenhouse at about 6pm.

They contacted the RSPCA, who attended with a local vet to check it over and collect it.

RSPCA Cornwall has confirmed that the raccoon has been transferred to their wildlife centre and is "safe"."

Raccoons are classified as an invasive species in the UK as they are not part of the country's natural wildlife.

They require a Dangerous Wild Animals (DWA) license if anyone wishes to keep them as pets.

It is the second time this month that an exotic animal has been on the loose in Cornwall.

Frankie the Flamingo went missing from a St Ives wildlife park two weeks ago was discovered earlier this week living in France.