Cheeky ferret tags along with police to patrol streets

By James Connolly

A cheeky ferret that "ambushed" cops and jumped into their police van has been happily reunited with its owner.

Patrol officers were left stunned when the curious creature, named Frankie by cops, jumped into the van and simply "refused to leave."

Frankie appeared more than happy to tag along with officers - even showing an interest in life at the station in North Yorkshire.

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Describing the ferret, the force said it was "a tiny noodle-shaped extrovert who jumped straight into the police van and refused to leave."

Police joked the ferret was "very sociable" and "keen to help with patrols", though admitted it seemed more interested in exploring the restroom once back at base.

With no owner immediately found, Frankie was taken in by vets at Wicstun Veterinary Hospital, in Market Weighton, while officers appealed for help.

The bizarre encounter, near Barkston Ash, near Selby, caught attention online, with many amused at the unexpected recruit.

But the story had a happy ending just hours later as the ferret was successfully reunited with its owners.