POLICE officers have joined in the hunt for a now nationally famous lizard after she escaped from her home in Workington at the weekend.

Many people in the local area have joined in the hunt for Echo the tegu who has been missing from her home in Moorclose since Sunday, June 4.

Since her escape, which is thought to have seen Echo tunnel herself out of her garden, the tegu has became a hit on social media, even making an appearance on ITV's Good Morning Britian yesterday, June 5.

An Allerdale police spokesman said: "We are aware of the missing tegu lizard, Echo, in the Moorclose area of Workington.

"We have our officers and PCSOs on patrol today who will keep a look out. If you sight Echo please let the owner at Pet Encounters know where Echo was last seen."

Echo belongs to Pet Encounter Cumbria, with owner Siobhan Harkness praying for her safe return.

Siobhan has thanked the many people who have been out to help in the search for Echo.

Yesterday, in a statement Pet Encouter Cumbria said: "Thank you so much to west Cumbria search and rescue for coming out this evening to help search for Echo.

"Despite all their effort, she still is missing. We think it's just going to be a waiting game now 'till she emerges from her hiding place before we find her.

"I also like to thank everyone who has and is keeping an eye out for her and all the local and national coverage we have had on her great escape.

"The more people know, the better as we will find her. It's now just a question when."

When asked what members of the public do if they find Echo, Siobhan said: "Just drop us a message, call and keep an eye on her until we get there.

"With it being a different environment I don't know how she would react."

Tegus are omniverous, and in the wild feed on fruit, insects, frogs, small rodents, birds, eggs and carrion.

You can contact Pet Encounter Cumbria on 07397 548562.