A racoon who has been on the run for three weeks has found her way back to a zoo in East Sussex.

Bandit the racoon went missing from Drusillas Park three weeks ago, after jumping an electric fence, but returned of her own accord.

Bandit absconded from her enclosure together with her sister Turpin.

Turpin was found a week later in an adventure play area by two schoolgirls visiting the park.

However, despite daily checks by the keepers Bandit remained at large.

Zookeepers do not believe that Bandit strayed far as she knew that her family was nearby.

The furry fugitive was discovered back with the family group by zookeeper Katherine Gibson during her routine evening check.

A quick scan of her microchip confirmed that Bandit had returned, apparently in good health.

Claire Peters, of Drusillas, said: “We were incredibly surprised to see Bandit return.

"Obviously we longed for her safe return but no one expected her to turn up.

"It is thought the sisters escaped after being spooked by a noise or unexpected movement, leading them to flee up the perimeter fence and through the electric deterrent.

"Thankfully neither appears to be injured.”