Folkestone’s Christmas lights switch-on had a moment of pandemonium when a parade reindeer broke free and bolted.

Police and security staff chased the beast as it ran for 500 yards along The Leas in front of scores of stunned onlookers.

PC John Weller, who recaptured the reindeer, said: “It was quite a sight. I radioed colleagues and they didn’t believe me when I said there was a reindeer running loose.”

The deer was one of three pulling a Santa sleigh from the Leas to the lights turn-on outside the Town Hall at Guildhall Street on Saturday afternoon.

All had been brought by The Reindeer Centre in Bethersden.

The animals were being guided out of the back of a van but, in a freak occurrence, strong wind slammed the van door shut and the deer bolted.

PC Weller gave chase along with owner Mark Fagg.

PC Weller grabbed the creature by the antlers and Mr Fagg secured it with a lead rope.

The beast had been free for five to 10 minutes, taking off outside the Leas Cliff Hall and had been caught near the Leas Bandstand.

The spectacle was witnessed by about 60 onlookers, including Folkestone Mayor Emily Arnold and parade participants and spectators.

The drama had happened at about 4.30pm and PC Weller said: “The deer had been spooked by the doors slamming.

"Nobody was at risk but my concern was for the animal itself. It was veering towards Clifton Gardens and it could have ended up on Sandgate Road, where there would have been heavy traffic.”

The deer, a male called Herald, finally calmed down and was able to carry on in the parade as planned, There had only been a few minutes’ delay to the parade starting out.