An urgent search is underway in East Sussex after Stanley, a six-banded armadillo, escaped from Animal Magic, a company that provides educational animal-handling experiences for schools and children's parties. Co-owner Chris Coetzer said Stanley forced open a door of his enclosure to get out, and warned that despite their small size, armadillos can move surprisingly quickly, recalling having to chase and outrun Stanley during a previous escape at a party.

Stanley was last seen on 3 September near the Knights Farm Shop, close to the Cuckoo Trail between Hailsham and Polegate, with staff suggesting he may have been lured by food smells from the shop or nearby campers. Six-banded armadillos are native to South America, typically measure 40-50cm and weigh 3-7kg, and are omnivorous, adaptable animals capable of surviving in a range of habitats. Animal Magic has asked members of the public who spot Stanley to get in touch.