Reindeer dashes from Christmas parade to charge through town

A runaway reindeer wreaked festive chaos after it dashed away from a local Christmas parade.

Southport Offshore Rescue Trust was called out at 4.43pm last night, after the festive fugitive had been missing for several hours last seen headingnorth to the sand dunes of Formby Beach, Liverpool.

A resident who saw it told Sefton 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.

‘Then the police arrived. They’re really worried about it getting onto the road.’

Merseyside Police were tracking the reindeer across the dunes, but eventually lost sight of the animal as darkness fell.

The Southport Offshore Rescue Trust used thermal binoculars to locate the pesky reindeer on the sand of Formby Beach.

Police drones watched overhead as the animal was herded into the dunes at Altcar Rifle Range.

Once the reindeer was settled, a vet supported by the Royal Marines securely recovered the animal.

Although many naturally nicknamed the runaway reindeer Rudolph, his name is actually Buddy.

Bringing the tale to a close with a scene straight out of a festive film, a genuine Christmas miracle occurred as Buddy’s owners shared an update with Formby Bubble.

They said: ‘He is now safe, warm, and snuggled up back home in North Wales.

‘After his unexpected seaside adventure, Buddy is enjoying some well-earned rest in his cosy stable and will be taking it easy for the rest of the year.’

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