Three red squirrels have been discovered living under a roof in Seaton.

The unusual sighting came after a homeowner carried out repair work to the fascia board of the roof and noticed a red squirrel hanging around the house.

Peter Armstrong, co-ordinator at West Lakes Squirrel Initiative, said: “It’s very uncommon.

“It’s the first time I’ve heard of anything similar.

“The lady who owns the house called us for advice and we think that when the work was carried out, a hole the squirrel used as a nest was blocked.

“It later emerged that it was a red squirrel and its two youngsters.

“It was quite a shock for the homeowners.

“The lady was quite taken aback by it.

“It’s very unusual for red squirrels to nest in roofs, especially because this house isn’t even near a forest, where they would normally nest.

“As a general rule the red squirrels are driven out by grey squirrels, so red squirrels tend to move to smaller woodlands before the greys arrive.

“Because of the time of year, we think the squirrels will have now moved on from the house in Seaton.”

Mr Armstrong added that West Lakes Squirrel Initiative is keen to hear about any sightings, which go to fill a national database.

He said: “If people do spot a red squirrel near their home, the best thing to do is to let us know and don’t disturb them.”

The squirrels have been captured on camera running up the side of the house and eating nuts that have been left out for them.