A YOUNG boy was shocked to see a daredevil hamster hurtling towards him while he was out riding his bike this week.

Alexander Wallis-Banbury, aged six, was riding his bike outside his house in Wycombe Lane, Wooburn Green, at around 8am on Monday when he came across the little rodent who was making a break for it in his exercise ball.

The plucky critter has since made himself at home with the family, but they have put signs out in the village looking for the owner.

However, Alexander and his two brothers, Daniel, eight, and Charlie, four, who all attend Juniper Hill School, in Flackwell Heath, are hoping that they will be able to keep their new pet.

Their dad, John, said: "Alexander was delighted to have found the hamster. He came in saying: 'Dad look I found a hamster'. I couldn't believe it.

"They are all hoping we can keep it but I have told them that it may be another child's pet so not to get their hopes up.

"We have been out to buy a cage for him and they are all making a big fuss of him, so he has found a good home.

"And to be honest it was in a big exercise ball so I don't think it has crept out, I think someone has had enough of it and let it out in the street."

Anyone who believes this may be their pet should contact John on 07778 331912.