MOTORWAY traffic was brought to a standstill in Blackpool today as police attempted to catch an escaped wallaby.
The animal, which belongs to a local resident, was seen bouncing down Preston New Road, near to Junction 4 of the M55.

Police slowed traffic while RSPCA inspectors attempted to catch the animal.

The Lancashire Police helicopter was also scrambled to the scene.

The drama began at 8.55am after several alarmed motorists called 999.

It ended four hours later when a vet was drafted in from Blackpool Zoo to sedate the wallaby with a tranquiliser dart.

The animal, which was cornered by police in a garden, is now safely back with its owner.

Insp Alistair Campbell of Blackpool Police: "We had nine officers at the scene and the police helicopter was also deployed. We slowed traffic on the motorway down to 30mph.

"Eventually we were able to usher the wallaby away from the M55.

"It's fair enough to say we've never had a situation like this before. We had to consult the RSPCA to help us work out how to capture the wallaby."

Source: Blackpool Gazette