Four raccoons on the loose after escape from zoo

The four raccoons only arrived at the zoo three weeks ago

A zoo has released an urgent plea for help after four of its raccoons escaped their enclosure.

Amazon World Zoo Park is appealing for people in Sandown on the Isle of Wight to keep an eye out for the animals.

The head keeper has asked people not to approach the animals, if spotted, but to contact the zoo directly.

The four 18-month-old female raccoons are sisters and arrived at the zoo three weeks ago.

In a statement on social media, the zoo asked people living nearby to check sheds, bonfire piles, hedges and trees, explaining the animals typically sleep during the day and become active at dusk.

They explained raccoons are "not normally aggressive" but the sisters may be scared.

One raccoon remains in the enclosure and did not leave, the zoo added.