A RUNAWAY wallaby had emergency services on the hop when it brought rush-hour chaos to the region’s tourism capital.

Commuters were forced to find other ways home when part of York’s northern ring road was forced to close for more than two hours by the bouncing renegade.

A team of 15 police officers rounded up the animal during an extensive operation by the A1237 between Haxby and Strensall early on Thursday evening.

They were helped by firefighters using heat sensors to spot the elusive creature and experts from nearby Askham Bryan College which used to keep wallabies in the past.

When the wallaby was finally cornered a vet used a tranquilliser dart to make it docile and it was taken into custody unharmed.

The animal was first spotted late on Tuesday night jumping about on the grass verge on Strensall Road, opposite Earswick Chase.

The sighting was quickly confirmed by others and the following day a couple managed to corral him in a nearby field – although he was able to hop out onto a nearby public footpath.

The wallaby is now being cared for at the college’s animal management centre. Staff there have nicknamed him Wesley and are appealing for his owner to come forward.

Principal Liz Philip said: “He's a male wallaby, about a year old we think, and whilst we're very happy to look after him, it would be super to reunite him with his owners.

“So far he is doing fine, but we're obviously doing health checks and monitoring him on a regular basis, particularly whilst he gets used to his new surroundings.”

If no one comes forward to claim him Wesley will be given a permanent home at the college.

Mrs Philip said: “We have experience of keeping wallabies as we have had them here in the past. If his owner can't be traced, then he will have a home with us and join our 'animal family', but in the short term, the important thing is that he settles in and recovers well.”

Anyone wanting to contact the college should ring 01904-772277 and ask to speak to Nicky Broadbent in the animal management centre.