VIDEO: Sneaky squirrel sparks two hour search and rescue (From Your Local Guardian)

VIDEO: Sneaky squirrel sparks two hour search and rescue in Twickenham charity shop

12:00pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in Top Stories By Rachel Bishop

A squirrel out for a spot of morning shopping sparked a desperate capture attempt, when humans mistook his intentions.

The squirrel, dubbed Cyril, was most probably out looking for an extra fur coat to help with the approaching chilly nights, but was caught in a net before making his dream purchase at the Scope charity shop in Twickenham.

The furry critter was captured by 83-year-old Tony Cooke from Strawberry Hill, after the manager of the charity shop in King Street called him for help.

The Orford Gardens resident was about to sit down for his lunch when his neighbour gave him a call.

Mr Cooke said: “She rang me and asked to come and get this furry beast out.

“He was very elusive, hiding in the clothes racks and in the shop fitting rooms. I think he was looking for food.”

A frantic scramble to capture Cyril lasted hours, before Mr Cooke managed to catch the grey escapologist in a heroic dive to the ground.

Twickenham Scope shop manager Cheryl Holden said: “We are used to our customers coming in and squirreling around for a bargain and maybe hoarding a designer item or two, but this squirrel decided to stay with us for two and a half very long hours.

“The shop has been really busy recently, but I have never seen so many people gathered inside, and outside on the street, trying to help us catch the little rascal.

“Although he caused a bit of chaos and scared a few members of staff, we were pleased that he was carefully caught by a friendly animal lover and taken back to a local park after his visit.”

Cyril was released in Radnor Gardens, going home empty handed.