RESIDENTS in Kennington were last night sniffing for clues as they went on the trail of a missing skunk.

The skunk, called Arthur, left, escaped from a garden in Kennington Road after being frightened by a dog.

The pet was being looked after by friends of Laura Gilbert and Tom Dawson, from Aldershot, while they were on holiday.

He squeezed through a gap in a fence into a neighbouring garden and ran off across the Oxford-Didcot railway line at about 6.30pm on Wednesday.

Miss Gilbert said: “Everyone is really upset. There was a dog in the neighbour’s garden and Arthur fled in terror on to the rail lines.

“He’s very capable, he’s a good forager, as he’s always taking towels for his nest.

“But he will be scared.”

Arthur is black and white, and slightly larger than a cat.

Skunks are natives of America. They are known for their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid when under attack. Miss Gilbert said: “He’s very shy, so he won’t do that unless attacked by a dog or something.”

If you have seen Arthur, call 07866 743849.