Here’s what happened when a giant white polar bear was spotted roaming the streets of London and travelling on the Tube.

Londoners travelling to work this morning were surprised, possibly shocked or even terrified as they came face to face with an unexpected commuter.

Londoners shocked as life-sized 'polar bear' takes the Tube
(David Parry/PA)

However, we can all put our fears at rest because this life-sized creature is actually an animatronic bear – a robotic device that’s emulating a polar bear.

But you have to admit, it looks pretty real.

The polar bear takes two people to operate and was spotted at Charing Cross before making its way to South Bank and even trudging along Hampstead Heath.

Londoners shocked as life-sized 'polar bear' takes the Tube
(David Parry/PA)

Controlled by puppeteers Tom Wilton and Derek Arnold, the eight-foot bear also managed to get on the Tube during rush hour.

Londoners shocked as life-sized 'polar bear' takes the Tube
(David Parry/PA)

To prepare for the big event, the puppeteers spent hours going through footage of real polar bears.

The pair also spent five days in costume to perfect the tiny details in the bear’s movements.

There’s a pin-hole camera on the creature’s nose that is linked to internal monitors, which allows Wilton to see what’s going on around him.

Londoners shocked as life-sized 'polar bear' takes the Tube
(David Parry/PA)

This clever device was created by special effects experts Millennium FX, who have also worked on BBC’s Doctor Who.

Londoners shocked as life-sized 'polar bear' takes the Tube
(David Parry/PA)

So the burning question – what’s a big white polar bear doing in London?

Londoners shocked as life-sized 'polar bear' takes the Tube
(David Parry/PA)

Apparently the bear’s London trip marks the launch of Sky Atlantic’s new crime drama Fortitude which premieres on Sky Atlantic on January 29 at 9pm.

Londoners shocked as life-sized 'polar bear' takes the Tube
(David Parry/PA)

The 11-part series, which starrs Stanley Tucci, Michael Gambon and Christopher Ecclestone, is about a small community in the Arctic that is shaken by a brutal murder and was filmed in both Iceland and the UK.