Search recovers 5ft runaway bird

Rheas are said to be inquisitive and friendly birds

A giant bird which escaped from a farm in Dumfries has been found, police have said.

A search was carried out after the 5ft tall rhea escaped from its enclosure when a fox disturbed it and another bird on Friday night.

While one of the birds stayed in the area of the farm, in Lochanhead, the other one ran off.

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary said the bird was found safe and well, and had been returned to its owners.

Rheas are flightless and belong to the same category of birds as ostriches and emus.

The owner, Margaret Allan, said she got the creature when it was six-months-old and that it was one of five in her possession.

The birds are not kept for commercial reasons, but as family pets, she said.