A rare red panda which sparked a police search after going missing from Belfast Zoo has been captured.

Belfast City Council said the small animal had been found and was being taken back to its enclosure.

“We are happy to report that the missing red panda has been located and is being returned to its home,” the council wrote on Twitter.

Police in Northern Ireland earlier launched a public appeal for help in tracing the panda.

It was reported missing on Sunday and was believed to be in the area surrounding the zoo in Glengormley, to the north of Belfast.

Police added: “These animals are nocturnal and would generally be located within wooded areas.

“Our curious friend has not yet learned the green cross code, so if motorists could also be vigilant!”

Red pandas are said to be close to extinction, with only around 10,000 to 20,000 left in existence.

Belfast Zoo said: “We are happy to report that the missing red panda has been located and is being returned to its home at Belfast Zoo – thanks to everyone for their help with the search!”

UPDATE: This article was updated to report that the red panda had been found.