MISSING iguana Magnus has been reunited with his owner - cold and hungry.

The 5ft long pet was found in a rucksack in a field near Thrush Drive, Bury, by two dog walkers.

Magnus was stolen from a shed in the garden of a house in Estbank Road, Ramsbottom, between 11pm on Sunday and 6am on Monday. And while the search continued, his owner, John Russell, warned that the orange and black striped lizard had a nasty bite.

Today, Mr Russell was delighted at Magnus' return.

He said: "I think he has been without food for the whole four days.

"He has lost weight and was very docile when he was returned."

Magnus will continue living in his shed. But, Mr Russell said: "There are bars at the windows and an alarm has been fitted. New locks will be put on." Police were called to Thrush Drive, at 10.45pm, on Wednesday, when the dog walkers came across a rucksack which was moving.

They were initially told the bag contained a small crocodile. Magnus was returned to Mr Russell shortly before midnight.

He said: "It would appear that he had not been kept outside and had been looked after quite well. But he was very cold and we quickly warmed him up.

"I am just glad he is home."

Mr Russell, a 37-year-old bank worker, has been caring for Magnus for more than a year after he learned that its then owner was going to put him down because he was unable to cope with his growth rate. Magnus, aged five, is expected to grow another two feet in length.