Comedy duo help find cockatiels

Eight missing cockatiels with a knack for whistling have been reunited with their owner - thanks to comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.

The birds were stolen from an aviary in Salisbury last month, but a member of the public helped them out of their 'fine mess' after hearing them sing.

Police received a tip-off after someone heard them whistling the pair's distinctive theme tune.

A man aged 33 and a woman aged 27 have been arrested on suspicion of theft.

They are currently being interviewed at Salisbury police station.

Trademark tune

The cockatiels' owner, who asked not to be named, said: "I bought a bird from a man up in Swindon when I was working up there one day.

"That bird had previously been kept in an indoor cage and its owner had taught it to whistle Laurel and Hardy.

"When I brought it down here and put it in the aviary, soon some of the other birds started to whistle as well."

Police officers looking after the birds before they could be returned to their owner have been disappointed not to hear the trademark tune.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "They are obviously overawed by the strange surroundings.

"Two or three of them are whistling although we haven't heard the theme tune yet but that hasn't stopped every bobby who goes into the parade room trying."