THERE was an odd twist today on the story of the cat getting stuck up a tree as Essex firefighters were called to rescue a bird of prey baffled in the branches.

A crew from Sible Hedingham was called to North End Road, Little Yeldham at 12.45pm where they helped to release the bird of prey.

Initially an officer in a car attended but he decided to call for back up as the firefighters worked at height to release what they believe was a kestrel.

The bird was eventually brought safely down from the tree about two hours later and was left in the care of the RSPCA.

Assistant Divisional Officer Danny Bruin, the officer in charge, said: “It was some kind of bird of prey, it looked like a kestrel.

“It is obviously somebody’s bird because it had a tag on its ankle and leather straps on its feet.

“The straps had become wound round the branch and when I arrived it was hanging upside down and in a great deal of distress.

“Crews climbed up and cut the branch it was caught on and carried it safely down to the waiting RSPCA team who have taken it to a vet.

“It was an impressive looking bird and we were all glad to get it safely out of its predicament.”