In further news of the horrifying threat that squirrels pose to humanity, Iran has claimed 14 squirrels found near the nation’s borders were spies.

The state-sponsored news agency IRNA said: ‘In recent weeks, intelligence operatives have arrested 14 squirrels within Iran’s borders.’

‘The squirrels were carrying spy gear of foreign agencies, and were stopped before they could act, thanks to the alertness of our intelligence services.’

Iranian police commander Esmaeil Ahmadi-Moqadam said: ‘I heard of this, but I have no specific knowledge on the subject.’

It is not known if the spy-squirrels are linked to claims that British troops in Basra, near the border with Iran, have released giant man-eating badgers into the city .

This is not the first time that animals have been accused of being spies. Notably, the residents of Hartlepool are commonly believed to have hung a monkey because they thought it was a French spy.