Five police cars were hot on the tails of the three equids after they went missing from a ranch in the Belgian capital

Three zebras have led police and zookeepers on a trotting-speed chase in Brussels, as documented by Belgian media and a collection of videos and photographs posted online.

The animals, which have now been caught, were chased through the city by up to five police cars after they escaped from a local zebra ranch.

It is thought that they used the Van Praet tunnel to walk to the centre of Brussels, where they enjoyed a casual stroll along the canal. Images also showed the animals – known collectively as a herd, cohort, zeal or dazzle – trotting behind moving cars.

According to Twitter users, radio stations called on drivers to “be careful, there are three zebras walking around in Brussels”.

Police said no one was injured by the animals, though many surprised spectators have discovered a whole new meaning to the term “zebra crossing”.

Unsurprisingly, #zebragate went viral this afternoon, with tweeters and wags weaving images of them into various internet memes and images.

Jail the banksters (@VDucrotois) #Zebragate 3 zebras downtown #Brussels (Van Praettunnel) = sign of a #Grexit ? @williambanzai7 pic.twitter.com/eGbcNOZ0VO

Sien (@theseguysthough) There are 3 zebras running around in Brussels. Welcome to Belgium.

Charlotte Vandevelde (@vantveldje) Madagascar 4: now playing live in the streets of Vilvoorde #zebra #zebragate pic.twitter.com/0S141M9JAv

Aïda Pida (@AidaDeMol) #BREAKING Politie overrijdt 1 van de 3 zebra's. + #Planckendael heeft weer voeder voor de roofdieren. #zebragate pic.twitter.com/sYCOKpay5y