Cola the squirrel monkey is stolen

A monkey has been stolen from an animal sanctuary in the Black Country.

Police have today launched an investigation after the young squirrel monkey, nicknamed Cola, was taken from Brockswood animal sanctuary in Catholic Lane, Sedgley.

Cola, which requires a dangerous wild animal licence to keep as a pet, had been at the sanctuary for five years and is described as smaller than the average squirrel monkey, which originate from South America and live for more than 20 years.

He is mainly tan in colour, with darker hair on his head.

The animal was taken between Sunday night and Monday morning and officers at Dudley are treating it as a burglary and are keen to speak to anyone who can help.