A utility company has had to issue a warning after the discovery of a toy crocodile sparked fears people are entering a Worcester substation.

The soft toy was so realistic many onlookers believed it was a real crocodile, possibly an escaped pet, at the substation in Sydney Street, Barbourne.

But a close inspection by a Western Power Distribution engineer found it was harmless.

However its surroundings were anything but harmless, a point the company was keen to remind people of as the item had either been thrown or placed in the dangerous area.

READ MORE: "Dead crocodile" found in Worcester

A WDP spokeswoman said: "We would like to take this opportunity to remind customers never to enter electricity substations, or to throw objects inside.

"Substations contain high voltage equipment which can kill.

"Anyone who does lose an object inside a substation is advised to stay well clear and call 105, our emergency number, and wait for help to arrive."