A four-legged robber in the US state of Florida had to be rescued, after getting stuck in a vending machine.

The male racoon had managed to crawl inside the machine at a school in the city of Deltona on Wednesday.

Police were called to Pine Ridge High School to help him out.

Image: Facebook/Volusia County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Danny Clifton called in the local animal control, and they put the machine on a dolly.

It was then wheeled it out to an area where the racoon could make his escape.

Police said he did so "with a little encouragement, and he's off to his next adventure."

A video shows the furry creature heading for the hills as soon as the machine was opened.