The heart-stopping video shows spectators plunging into fear after seeing a crocodile lurking near the river bank to bask in the sun.

Smartphone footage showed the reptile reaching the bank of the Bhairav Ghat Of Ganga River, the city of Kanpur. In India’s state of Uttar Pradesh, on 30th January.

The clip, which circulated widely across social media platforms, portrayed locals’ startled reactions upon realising the imminent danger posed by the reptile’s proximity.

The crocodile can be seen withdrawing to the waters after the huge crowd gathered in the area to record it.

According to Indian media, no individuals were found taking a dip in the river’s waters when the reptile approached the surface.

Upon seeing the reptile, locals reportedly called the police and the forest department to get rid of it. It was not disclosed whether the crocodile had been relocated.

In a similar incident from last month, locals spotted another crocodile on the bank of the city’s Rani Ghat. Where it approached the petrol station.

Reports claimed that the reptile appeared on the riverbank, supposedly to bathe in the sun, before retreating into the water. No injuries were reported.