18 monkeys on the loose after facility escape

The primates made a break for it after a caretaker of the facility failed to lock a door securely after feeding. 

The monkeys are a species known as the rhesus macaques, a bare faced breed usually weighing between 5-7kg. 

People in Yemassee, a small town west of Charleston, have been told to keep their doors shut and eyes open as officials hunt for the remaining monkeys. 

The company responsible for the accidental release of the monkeys is Alpha Genesis, who have two sites in South Carolina specialising in biomedical studies and scientific research. 

Alpha Genesis confirmed that the monkeys have not yet been used for testing, as they are still too young, making them no risk to public safety. Yet, the town's residents are still encouraged not to approach the animals, as they may be shaken up.