The A11 was shut in both directions after two reindeer escaped from a Christmas grotto at a Suffolk country estate, it has emerged.

Police were called to the A11 at Barton Mills near Mildenhall at about 3pm on Sunday following reports of animals blocking the carriageway

The reindeer were taking part at a Christmas event at the Elveden Estate on Sunday when they got "spooked", a business owner has said.

The animals were brought to the estate by events management team Daisy Entertainment. 

Owner of the business Emma King said the animals got out after being spooked. 

She said: "We are still looking for the reindeer and I haven't had any update this morning. 

"We don't really know what happened but we just want the reindeer to come back."

Searches for the animals are continuing this morning.