POLICE were called to a car boot sale after a man reported seeing a badger on a lead.

A member of the public phoned North Yorkshire Police after spotting the animal at Rufforth car boot sale in York.

Sergeant Kevin Kelly of North Yorkshire Police said an officer and a PCSO were sent - only to find a man with his Japanese raccoon dog.

Sgt Kelly said: "I'm an absolute animal lover, but I've never seen one.

"The job came in from a member of the public who was concerned that a badger had been rendered into captivity, was being dragged around Rufforth car boot sale and didn't look happy.

"Our officers went there and had a good look around and found this thing, and we'd never seen anything like it. I can see where they've gone wrong."

The animals, which look remarkably like raccoons, are members of the dog, wolf and fox family, and their wild counterparts are known as 'Tanuki'.

Officers spoke with the dog's owner, and explained why they had been called, as possession of a live badger is a criminal offence, but the owner took the misunderstanding in his stride.

Sgt Kelly said: "They went and found this little raccoon dog which was panting away because its tiny little legs were racing to keep up with the owner.

"The owner was absolutely spot on with them and all's well that ends well. It just goes to show it's not all crime we deal with.

"As it goes, it was one of the odder jobs we have had, but it put a smile on the face on what was a busy Sunday afternoon and we could spare the resources to respond to it as a priority for the team.

"The report of someone in possession of a live badger is serious offence and we will prioritise it accordingly."