Racing pigeon found nesting in hangar of Navy warship off East Anglian coast

A racing pigeon has been found nesting in the hangar of Britain’s biggest warship while it was carrying out flight trials off the East Anglian coast.

Pauley, aka Turbo P, was spotted nesting in the hangar of the 65,000-tonne HMS Queen Elizabeth after a busy day of flying.

The confused and exhausted pigeon was discovered as the crew were stowing the F-35 Lighting jets from 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron based at RAF Marham.

"I was just putting the lashings on the jet when I looked up and saw this pigeon nestled behind the hangar gantry", Air Engineering Technician Alexander Thomason said.

The HMS Queen Elizabeth will be taking good care of the pigeon until they return home Credit: PA

The sailors managed to catch the bird and are now looking for a safe place for it to live on board while they search for the owner.

Lieutenant Commander Jerome Pethrick, in charge of aircraft maintenance, said: "I know the hangar team would love to let the pigeon fly around all day but sadly for them it’s just not safe.

"We have to find somewhere without jet engines."