A floating pink house usually found in Folkestone's harbour needed rescuing after coming loose.

The runaway structure, part of Richard Wood’s ‘Holiday Homes’ artwork, was making its way towards east pier after coming free from its mooring.

Crews from independent charity Folkestone Rescue were called to the harbour at 9am yesterday and spent much of the day securing the home and then winching it up the beach.

It was then lifted out of the harbour by crane and placed safety on firm ground.

Arrangements will now be made to re-attach it to its original location.

Installed in 2017, the pink structure was one of six model holiday homes placed in random spots across the town as part of the month long Folkestone Triennial festival.

The work made a connection between the so-called ‘housing crisis’ in the South east of England, and the boom in second homes.

But Sunday's rescue was not the first time it has come loose - it also came adrift when it broke free from its moorings two years ago.

A spokesman for Folkestone Rescue said: "Upon arrival it was found that the house had come free from its mooring and found its way towards the east pier.

"Luckily the tide was coming in to the harbour so it didn't have a chance to escape out into the bay before being secured.

"Rescue crew spent the day securing and winching the house up the beach so that it could be safely lifted out of the harbour by crane.

"As of 4.30pm we can confirm the house is now safely out of the harbour temporarily until arrangements can be made to re-attach it to its original location."

The escape sparked a few comments on social media.

One commenter said: "It would have been great to see it drifting out to sea, I realise it might have been quite hazardous for the ships though!"

Another said: "Does this mean it's now classed as a mobile home?"

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