An escaped coati – known as Houdini to its owner - is living up to his name despite several attempts to recapture the exotic animal in Marlow over the last week.

According to Lady McAlpine, the South American native can “spot a net coming at half a mile” after fleeing her Fawley Hill Estate when it was rejected by females.

Several sightings over the past week have come from across Marlow, with the fugitive spotted in Lodge Close near the station, and as far away as Oxford Road on the other side of the town centre.

Lady McAlpine said she is not surprised Houdini has been seen near the Marlow Donkey pub, saying he is probably on the prowl for nuts and that she “expects him in the bar anytime soon”.

Marlow resident John Gooding said the creature was seen up a tree in Institute Road, with a crowd of onlookers and policeman looking on in vain.

And crew from animal hospital Tiggywinkles have again attempted to capture the coati – but have so far failed to net him.