FIREMEN literally got the bird - two of them no less - when they investigated a blockage in a chimney breast.

Two jackdaws, which had been trapped in the brickwork of the chimney at the house in Ringley Road, Whitefield, suddenly flew out to freedom from the fireplace.

Fire officers caught one of the birds immediately but the other flew around the house before eventually being captured.

Firefighters were called to the property after the woman occupier heard noises from the chimney.

Officers on the roof used a long rod to try to locate a blockage as colleagues inside the house stood by with plastic sheeting to catch anything falling.

They believe the two jackdays had sought shelter in the chimney breast but became trapped and unable to free themselves.

Both birds later flew off, apparently none the worse following Wednesday's (April 15) ordeal.

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