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Kent fire crews rescue Ronnie the iguana from The Ship Inn, Folkestone

17:04, 27 September 2021

updated: 17:06, 27 September 2021

Firefighters were left to deal with a slippery customer when they were called to rescue an escaped lizard from a roof.

Ronnie the iguana found himself on the tiles above The Ship Inn in Folkestone this afternoon after looking for some fresh air.

Ronnie the iguana (centre) was rescued today. Photo: KFRS
Ronnie the iguana (centre) was rescued today. Photo: KFRS

The reptilian escapee staged a daring getaway just after noon, scaling the walls of the pub to get onto the roof.

However, when he got up there, he quickly realised that he had no idea how to get back down.

Fire crews brought a height vehicle to The Ship, and sent two of their most reptile-friendly officers alongside a member of the RSPCA – and a net – up to rescue Ronnie.

A Kent Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: "It’s not every day you rescue an iguana from a pub roof!

"Crews worked with the RSPCA (England & Wales) to rescue runaway Ronnie, who had escaped from a window at a nearby property and scaled the pub walls to get onto the roof.

Crews used a height vehicle to reach the runaway reptile. Photo: KFRS
Crews used a height vehicle to reach the runaway reptile. Photo: KFRS

"We’re glad to say he’s safely back on the ground and in the arms of his owner".

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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