Otter has a potter in Shrewsbury town centre

"You otter go back home," the wandering mammal is informed by council workers

Shoppers in Shrewsbury were said to have been taken aback when a stray otter wandered around the town centre.

Helen Ball, town council clerk, said "the otter had a potter up Pride Hill", the main shopping area, on Saturday.

Shrewsbury Town Rangers were alerted to the strange sight and managed to catch the animal, releasing it in the nearby River Severn, from where it is thought to have originated.

"Glad to see the little chap back where he belongs," Ms Ball posted on X.

Shrewsbury Town Rangers were on hand to capture the animal

Rangers also posted video of the rescue, adding: "Well it's certainly been an eventful day so far. Thank god for camera phones as we don't think [the council] would believe our report otherwise."

Video footage showed the otter heading back into the nearby river