Large rhea bird on the loose around east Hertfordshire

A village in east Hertfordshire is on the lookout after a large bird similar to an emu was seen wandering in the fields.

The rhea went missing from its owner four weeks ago in Brent Pelham - it is around four feet tall and has been spotted several times, but, with it being able to hit speeds of 40 miles per hour, so far no-one has been able to catch it.

Ray Murdoch caught sight of the bird on a bike ride through Nuthampstead. He managed to take a few photos before it ran off.

The bird which escaped from its home near a village called Brent Pelham has been on the loose for the past four weeks. It belongs to Jo Clarke. She keeps four rheas on her land - she says they are good at eating all the weeds. She said: "The bird escaped after being spooked by the local hunt."

With it being able to run at up to 40 miles per hour, she just has no idea of how to recapture it.

There have been plenty of sightings near Brent Pelham.

The rhea should stand out from the Hertfordshire landscape, but it is also known for being extremely timid.

The RSPCA is urging anyone who spots the bird to get in contact with them immediately.