Ostrich killed on M56 motorway after escaping farm near Helsby while second ostrich is safely caught by Cheshire Constabulary and RSPCA at Helsby High School

Oct 19 2009 by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

AN OSTRICH was killed this afternoon (Monday) after it escaped from a farm near Helsby.

The large flightless bird was struck by a lorry travelling near junction 12 of the M56 motorway at 12.30pm.

The driver, from Wrexham, alerted police after the incident and reported that he was unhurt but there was some minor damage caused to his HGV truck.

Another ostrich had also escaped but was caught at 2pm in the grounds of Helsby High School and collected by the RSPCA.

Officers sedated the rhia, a female ostrich, after it was surrounded by members of Cheshire Constabulary and school staff.

Headteacher Richard Evans said: “The bird was in the grounds while the kids were in lessons. The rhia was surrounded by the police officers, caretakers and was safely collected by the RSPCA.

“The police were extremely supportive and made sure that the bird was kept away from the road and traffic outside. They did a great job.”