Police issue warning over escaped ostrich-like bird

An "aggressive" ostrich-like bird that has gone missing in Nottinghamshire poses "a very real threat" to the public, police have warned.



The rhea, which is related to the ostrich, escaped from a private collection in Carlton-in-Lindrick, near Worksop, between Monday and Tuesday. Insp Paul Peatfield said the public should alert the police if they catch sight of the animal. The flightless bird is white in colour and about 6ft (1.82m) tall.

Insp Peatfield said: "We are warning local people and particularly those with small children to be on their guard and not to approach the bird, which poses a very real threat to the public due to its size, aggressive nature and the unfamiliar surroundings it could find itself in. Officers are working with the owner to trace the bird as we look to bring this incident to a safe conclusion."



Bird expert David Lindo said there is little to fear from the animal. He said: "It's a bird that will peg it as soon as it sees you... it's been very overrated in terms of the dangerous aspect of it. They're quite stealthy and they'll be running off, hiding into the bushes... they can melt into the countryside quite easily." If anyone spots the bird they have been asked to dial 999 immediately.