And Finally... Escaped ostrich killed on M56

By James Shepherd on Oct 20, 09 09:39 AM in News

A pair of ostriches went on the run after they escaped from a farm.

The birds, described by police as being over four foot tall, went on the run in Frodsham, Cheshire.

One of the ostriches strayed onto the M56 and died after it veered into the path of an oncoming truck.

The driver, from Wrexham, North Wales, was not injured in the accident but his vehicle was damaged, police said.

Officers took two hours to catch its fellow fugitive, and eventually managed to contain it in a field at 2.30pm, after which it was returned to its owner.

The public was warned not to approach the birds, which are known to be aggressive if they feel threatened.

A Cheshire Police spokeswoman said: "Despite officers' best attempts to contain both animals one of the creatures made its way onto the M56 and was in collision with a Heavy Goods Vehicle.

"The RSPCA, the owner of the ostrich, and police patrols contained the second ostrich in a field and it was returned to its owner."

Ostriches are the largest living species of bird and cannot fly, but are believed to be able to run up to 45 mph.