AN attempt to catch a crocodile, which had been photographed in the village pond in Debden, proved unsuccessful.

This photograph appeared in the Parish Pump, Debden’s parish magazine. The accompanying story said the crocodile had probably taken up residence in the village pond after being set free by its owner when it grew too large to be kept in the bath at home.

The magazine claimed an expert at London zoo had examined the photograph and confirmed the animal was a crocodile. The more likely explanation dawned on readers when they discovered that the attempt to capture the predator was planned for Easter Monday - April 1.