RSPCA called to rescue lizard that turns out to be a dirty sock

Family says they are 'mortified' after the incident

The lizard turned out to be a dirty sock (PA)

A family called the RSPCA to deal with a rare lizard that turned out to be a sock.

An RSPCA officer, Vic Hurr, went to the house in Coventry after reports of a lizard under the bed.

Ms Hurr said she approached “cautiously” before realising the “lizard” was in fact just a dirty sock.

"It was around seven inches long and about two inches wide," Ms Hurr told the BBC.

"It was protruding from the edge of the bed and it wasn't moving at all.

"I got out my torch to see better and that's when I realised it wasn't a lizard at all, it was a pink stripy sock."

The family was apparently “mortified” after discovering the error.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "It was definitely one of our more unusual call-outs. The family called us in a bit of a panic, they were terrified a lizard had got into their house.

"It was obviously dark in the room and I think fear just set in. But they said it had been there for about a week and hadn't moved in that time.

"Our animal collection officer approached with caution, as we would do with any reptile, not knowing whether it was a dangerous breed or not.

"When she found out it was a pink stripy sock, the family were mortified. Vic said she couldn't stop laughing once she got back into the car and I think the family eventually saw the funny side too.

"The sock had obviously been there quite a while. It was a typical teenager's bedroom, I suppose."