The public has been urged to stay vigilant after an emu was discovered on the loose in and around Wisbech since last week.

Sightings were reported over the weekend, with one resident managing to capture a photo of the bird in a field on Sutton Road. 

A group which specialises in the rescue of exotic animals said it had been contact by concerned members of the public about the emu. 

National Exotics Animal Rescue Service is the country's only national search and rescue service for escaped or abandoned exotic animals. 

The volunteer-run group has formed relationships with a network of animal rescue groups, wildlife and exotic animal sanctuaries, zoos, as well as the emergency services. 

The non-profit's chief executive Matt Stone told the Wisbech Standard that there's "very little information" surrounding the whereabouts of the bird or from where it escaped. 

He said: "We were made aware of the emu after reports were sent to our Facebook page last week. We've got specialist individuals that work with us to deal specifically with animals such as emus, rheas and ostriches. 

"Like us, they have very little information about the bird and have tried to find out who the owner could potentially be, but nothing has really come from it.

"There's not much we can do until we receive further information as to it currently is. 

"We're now coming into breeding season now, which means the bird is going to be looking for a mate. So wherever it's got out from, it could potentially be looking to go back." 

Mr Stone said that despite the size of the bird it didn't pose a "significant risk" and that it is "very rare" for an exotic animal of this type to escape. 

He encouraged anyone with information of the whereabouts of the emu to get in contact via the group's Facebook page or by calling 03333 408999.