Big Bird Detained in Devon

An emu is now back in captivity after going walkabout through Barnstaple.

The bird, which originates in Australia, had somehow managed to escape from its owner. It was eventually cornered by police and is now recovering from its ordeal.

• UK

An Emu was detained by Devon and Cornwall Police this morning after someone noticed it walking down St Georges Road in Barnstaple.

It tried to get into houses on the street. One man said living there said he 'couldn't believe his eyes.'

• UK

An Emu was detained by Devon and Cornwall Police this morning after someone noticed it walking down St Georges Road in Barnstaple.

Pc Parnell said the emu was "running up and down the street, trying to get into people's houses" before it was caught.

She said: "When we first had the call from the public, I thought it was a bit of a wind-up."

"But when I arrived at the scene to check it out, I could see this bird in the street. It was trying to get into people's houses."

"I must admit that while I'm not normally scared of birds, I was a bit nervous with this one."

The emu has since been handed to Diana Lewis, who runs an 'animal ambulance' service in north Devon, and will later be reunited with its owner.

• UK