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Ferret in police van 'ambush' reunited with owners

Andrew BartonYorkshire
North Yorkshire Police The image shows a small ferret standing on a wooden floor indoors, close to a wall and furniture legs. The ferret has golden-brown fur with a darker face and legs, small rounded ears, and bright eyes. It appears to be looking directly at the camera, with its body low to the ground.North Yorkshire Police
Frankie spent some time in custody after leaping into a police van

A lost ferret that "ambushed" police and ran amok in their patrol van has been successfully reunited with its owners.

Officers, who named the mischievous mustelid Frankie, said a patrol in Barkston Ash, near Tadcaster, on Friday encountered "a tiny noodle‑shaped extrovert who jumped straight into the police van and refused to leave".

Police said Frankie, who was "very sociable and keen to help with patrols", had "thoroughly explored the rest room at the police station" before being temporarily housed at a local veterinary hospital.

They later issued an update saying: "Frankie the ferret, who asked for police assistance in locating his owners, has now been successfully reunited with them."

North Yorkshire Police A small ferret stands on the back of a dark red chair chair and appears to be sniffing a white-painted radiator on the wall. The ferret has golden-brown fur with a darker face and legs, small rounded ears, and bright eyes.North Yorkshire Police
The curious ferret took time to explore the police station before being reunited with its owners

They came forward to claim him after North Yorkshire Police posted an appeal on social media.

A force spokesperson said: "Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word. We're glad this story ended well."

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