A crocodile was caught after escaping from its enclosure by floating to the top after heavy rain.

The killer pet managed to break free when the water level rose following a storm last Friday (October 25) in Phrae, northern Thailand.

The beast leapt out and rampaged through its owner's back yard, sparking panic among terrified residents.

The crocodile's owner said he called the emergency services as soon as he realised his pet crocodile was missing from its pit.

Several rescue group volunteers had to wrestle with the reptile for 40 minutes before it was lassoed and dragged back to its enclosure.

The owner, who did not want to be named, said it was a relief that his beloved pet whom he has been raising for over 10 years did not hurt anyone.

He said: "I bought the crocodile when it was just a small baby crocodile and I've been raising him for more than ten years now. I usually feed him with the raw chicken."

"He escaped from the pit after the heavy rain that increased the water level to the brim. Thanks to the rescuers, they caught him before he was able to escape from the yard."

"I am considering fortifying the pit because it could be worse next time."

One of the rescuer volunteers said that it was unusual to catch a crocodile as normally they only have to catch the snakes.

The rescuer said: "Our province is full of wild animals, so it's mainly snakes that cause problems.

"This is the first time we had to catch a crocodile. I was shocked by the size."

The owner drained the water from the crocodile pit to prevent it from breaking free and escaping again.