Pictures: Barn owl rescued after falling down a chimney

Sweep getting the first of many washes. Credit: Secret World Wildlife Rescue.

A Somerset family were shocked to find a barn owl that had fallen down their chimney yesterday.

The newly named Sweep was in shock and covered in soot. He was picked up by Secret World Wildlife Rescue, who helped him recover, did their best to wash him and gave him a check-up with the vet.

Though he has no obvious injuries, it's not quite a clean bill of health - Sweep will need another wash in a few days' time.

The charity says it is regularly called out for birds who have become trapped in chimneys or fallen into them.

Sweep needed to recover from the shock of his experience. Credit: Secret World Wildlife Rescue.
The charity says it is common for birds to become trapped in chimneys. Credit: Secret World Wildlife Rescue.
Sweep getting a check-up at the vet. Credit: Secret World Wildlife Rescue.