Story By: James King, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

The German police were called to deal with an unusual fare dodger after a train driver discovered a live crab on the station platform.

The discovery was made at Cologne Central Station when a driver working on Line 19 of the Fast Train service spotted the crustacean on the platform and called the police.

Officers then announced that the crab had been taken into custody before being handed over to the animal rescue service of Cologne Fire Brigade.

Police admit they are baffled as to how the crab ended up in the station, and are reportedly looking into the matter.

In the meantime, the crab which has been identified as a Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), also known as the Shanghai hairy crab, is not considered rare as it breeds quickly and is frequently served up on Shanghai food dishes.

The Cologne Animal Shelter currently looking after the crab said it is being cared for well and that its future will be decided by local officials determining whether it could be an invasive species if released into local waterways.

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