A DEER has been spotted taking a swim in the middle of Christchurch.

A handful of people walking through the town on Sunday were lucky enough to get a glimpse of a Sika Deer.

The deer had been spotted in the Mill Stream, where it spent time exploring and wading through the water.

Bournemouth resident, Gosia, was passing through the area shortly before midday. She said: “We were out on a walk when we spotted it.

“I didn’t know what to do in the situation, but lots of people were taking pictures and talking about it so I assumed they would know what to.

"We were there for around 30-45 minutes and it was there the whole time."

Read more: Sika deer spotted swimming in Christchurch

It is the second time this month that a Sika Deer has been spotted in Christchurch.

On Tuesday, August 9, Christchurch resident Sue Brick was walking along Bridge Street when she spotted a Sika Deer in the River Avon.

The RSPCA has advised anyone who may spot a deer to leave it in peace, providing it is not injured.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "If the deer is not trapped or injured, the best thing to do is leave the deer in peace and give the space to allow the deer to go safely on its way.”

Sika Deer were introduced to Brownsea Island in 1896, but it wasn’t long until they swam across the harbour over to Poole and colonised parts of Dorset.

Their numbers are so high now they could jeopardise other native species.

They can grow up to 120cm tall, weigh up to 60kg and have a lifespan of about 15 years.

Sika Deer can also be found in Weymouth and the New Forset and they are not naturally aggressive species, apart from in the autumn when it’s rutting season.