Rhea at large in Cambridgeshire since Christmas is caught

The rhea was first spotted running around the Cambridgeshire countryside on Christmas Day

A rhea which had been roaming the countryside since Christmas has finally been caught.

The 6ft flightless bird, nicknamed Chris, was first spotted on farmland near Thriplow, Cambridgeshire, over the festive weekend.

Despite efforts by police and others, the rhea evaded capture.

Officers tweeted on Tuesday that "Chris" had been found and his real name was Eric. They added he had been returned safely to his owner.

The rhea, a South American bird which can reach running speeds of up to 40mph (64km/h), had been spotted in a number of rural areas in the county including Foxton, Newton and Fowlmere.

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Police released this image of the rhea after it was first spotted

South Cambridgeshire Police tweeted to say "reports indicate that Chris Rhea is now Eric & has made it home for C'mas '17 safe n well".

"Great news to hear he came to no harm and is safe where he belongs," they added.

It is not yet known who caught the bird who where he had escaped from.

However, while Eric appears to have made it home, Lawrence - another rhea who has been missing since August, has still not been found.