A woman-hating iguana is on the loose after disappearing from its home.
The public were warned not to approach the reptile, which is three-and-a-half feet long with claws and a long tail which it may use to whip people, especially anyone trying to pick it up.
It dislikes women and tends to jump up at them, Essex Police said. The iguana went missing from a house in Croft Road, Benfleet, yesterday (Sunday).
Police say they are concerned that if the creature is not recaptured it may find its way on to the grounds of nearby Appleton School.
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "Iguanas have got quite long, thin claws which are sharp but they wouldn't be aggressive to people - although the best thing to do is leave them alone. Anyone who finds the iguana should call the police or RSPCA."
Iguana - best left alone
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