A south London park remains shut to the public after a stag was discovered roaming there four days ago.
Council bosses closed Park Hill Park in Croydon on Friday to allow rangers to relocate the deer but they have been unable to establish where the animal has come from.
The Red deer stag, one of the largest of its species, was photographed by novelist Daniel Webster and has become a popular attraction on social media with videos and photographed posted on Twitter.
Among them is French journalist Clementine Sarlat, who is based in Croydon with France's Rugby World Cup squad.
She posted: "There are things happening in crazy #Croydon The park is closed, a deer was lost, normal #LifeInEngland."
A Croydon Council spokesman warned against people from trying enter the park because the stag could become aggressive,
He said: “The red deer stag is still contained in Park Hill recreation ground, and is calm and happy. However, at this time of year, stags can become aggressive, so, for the safety of the public and the stag itself, the council kept the park closed over the weekend and ensured the animal had sufficient food and water.
“Enquiries are ongoing as to where the stag might have come from, but these animals do not occur naturally in this area.
“We’re investigating the possibility of moving it to an animal sanctuary or other site where it could be safely released, and would ask that if anybody is able to offer the stag a home, or know of somewhere that might, they contact the council.
"Moving such a large animal will probably require it to be sedated, and the council is seeking professional advice as to whether that sort of step is necessary, and how it would be best carried out.
“Park Hill recreation ground will remain closed for the foreseeable future, and, for the safety of all concerned, we’d ask people to not attempt to enter the park.”
