A SECOND monkey has escaped from Dalton's South Lakes Safari Zoo this morning.

Cumbria Police said they received a call at 3pm on Sunday reporting a young female Capuchin monkey had escaped.

And this morning they revealed they were called to the zoo to reports a second had made a bid for freedom.

"Whilst this animal does not pose an immediate risk to the public, it is capable of biting or scratching anyone who attempts to approach it," said a force spokesperson.

According to the zoo's website the monkeys can reach an average height of 40cm and weigh between 1,300 and 4,000g. 

The primates are found only in South America, mainly in north-west Brazil and the Amazon Basin.

They are omnivores, eating not only fruits, nuts, nectar, seeds and buds, but also insects, spiders, bird eggs and small vertebrates.

Police said there had been reported sightings of the animal over the weekend in the Dalton area and appealed for anyone who sees the monkey to contact the zoo, during office hours, directly on 01229 466086.

Outside of business hours, sightings should be reported to police on 101.