Festive Fugitive Sparks Major Emergency Response
A full-scale emergency was declared in the seaside town of Formby, Merseyside, after a reindeer made a dramatic escape from a Christmas event, triggering a major multi-agency search operation. The incident unfolded yesterday, sending police, Royal Marines, and coastguard teams on an extensive hunt for the missing animal with its distinctive huge antlers.
The Great Reindeer Hunt: A Multi-Agency Operation
Officers initially tracked the reindeer but lost sight of it as evening fell, raising serious concerns that it could end up in the nearby River Mersey. Multiple emergency teams hurried to locate the fugitive. The Southport Offshore Rescue Trust deployed its quad team equipped with thermal binoculars in a dedicated bid to find the lost animal. They were assisted by teams from HM Coastguard Southport and HM Coastguard Crosby.
Fortunately, the reindeer was eventually spotted on the beach. "Although capture proved difficult, the team successfully shepherded the animal into the sand dunes at Altcar Rifle Range, where a police drone maintained watch," a statement revealed. The reindeer eventually settled, allowing a vet, supported by Royal Marines, to safely secure it.
Community Relief as Christmas is 'Saved'
It is believed the animal went missing from Santa's Enchanted Forest in Formby. One eyewitness told the Formby Bubble: "We thought it was a stag at first, but then a National Trust ranger asked if we'd seen a real reindeer. We pointed them in the direction it went — literally trotting north up the beach."
The successful conclusion was met with widespread relief and festive cheer from the local community. One grateful local commented online: "Well done everyone! At first glance I thought there was a glow in the dark reindeer wandering around. My Christmas spirit soared a little." Another added, "What a heart warming story, thanks everyone for saving Christmas xx," while a third person joked, "Someone have a word with Santa - he needs to keep his lads under control for another couple of weeks." A spokesperson celebrated the collaborative effort, declaring, "Christmas is saved thanks to some great work from multiple agencies."
