Police were called following reports of a “tiger” roaming the streets of Manchester – but it turned out to be a cuddly toy.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were contacted by a resident on Monday night (21 March) who said they saw a tiger loose in nearby gardens, pawing the grass.
When officers were dispatched to attend the scene in Oldham, they soon realised they were not confronting a huge beast – but a toy tiger.
Lovingly named “Tony the Tiger”, officers say they are baffled as to how Tony ended up in the suspicious place.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police Saddleworth and Lees said: “Yesterday evening Oldham Police earned their stripes when they were contacted by a concerned member of the public of a tiger loose in nearby gardens that appeared to be pawing in the grass.
“Officers arrived quickly and after evaluating the situation agreed it was in fact not a real animal but a toy – Tony the Tiger!
“Tony the Tiger was asked for a comment about Oldham police, he said ‘They’re grrrrrrrreat!’
“Tony is now safely booked into property at Oldham Police station.”
