The public are being warned not to approach an animal that has escaped from a zoo in Devon.

The West Caucasian tur, which is a type of mountain-dwelling goat-antelope, ran off from Paignton Zoo and is believed to be in nearby woods.

Devon and Cornwall Police warned the public not to approach the "horned beast" as it could be a danger to the public if startled.

Paignton Zoo said the young female escaped after becoming spooked while keepers were moving the zoo's herd into their house.

It cleared a fence, left the quarry area and entered the dense woodland above Clennon Valley.

Phil Knowling, from the zoo, said: "Our main concern now is that the animal is safe and well, that we locate her and get her back into familiar territory with the rest of the herd.

"She is probably pretty stressed.

"We are hoping that a police drone with thermal imaging technology can help."

A police spokesman added: "Police are assisting specialists from Paignton Zoo to help them locate an escaped West Caucasian tur which is a mountain-dwelling goat-antelope which is believed to be Clennon Woods.

"As you can see, it is a horned beast and could be a danger to the public if startled.

"If you see the tur, please make no efforts to corner it and call police immediately on 999."

The West Caucasian tur is a mountain-dwelling goat-antelope found in the Caucasus Mountains range between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.

It is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

The wild population is estimated to be between 5,000 and 6,000 individuals.