Archive article Monstrum Athenaeum
Footage Of Five-Foot Crocodile Shocks London Locals
Strange things have been spotted on and in the River Thames, but a crocodile isn’t usually one of them. That’s why we’re a bit skeptical of new footage showing a crocodile leisurely sunbathing on rocks by the Milwall Outer Docks in the Isle…
Original article imageStrange things have been spotted on and in the River Thames, but a crocodile isn’t usually one of them. That’s why we’re a bit skeptical of new footage showing a crocodile leisurely sunbathing on rocks by the Milwall Outer Docks in the Isle of Dogs area of London.
A local fellow named “Ben” captured the footage with some mates while walking along the river during their lunch break. They later posted the photographs online. Shortly after, several newspapers picked up the story and it wasn’t long before residents became unnerved over the potentially dangerous animal.
Their concern came as the witness said children were playing in canoes nearby and that he and his friends were worried the crocodile might attack them. Tweets circulated warning of something strange in the area, advising others to watch out for whatever may have been lurking in those waters.
No official comment came from either the local council or the government on the matter, but residents are keeping their kids away from the spot until they’re certain nothing’s there. Understandably, speculation quickly spread that the creature was an escaped pet even though no-one had reported a missing animal matching the description.
Lacking any credible evidence the creature was real, skeptics quickly concluded the creature was nothing more than a ‘piece of rope’ resembling a five-foot crocodile. We await to see if the ‘rope’ resurfaces and if anyone else manages to catch pictures of it and its antics!
Originally published September 6, 2016. This is the original account, presented in our current reading format.
Article details & credits
The original article title is “Footage Of Five-Foot Crocodile Shocks London Locals”. Original artwork credits and source links remain with the text. Images are labeled individually; preserved source images and AI editorial illustrations remain distinct.
Header image: preserved original.
The text reflects the original author’s account and conclusions at the time of publication. It has not been rewritten as a newly verified encounter.

