Repton: Rhea on the run in village shocks driver

A rhea on the run left a driver in shock after it jumped out in front of his car.

The large, flightless bird was seen running down Main Street in Repton, Derbyshire, on Sunday afternoon.

Robert Jay, a window cleaner in the village, was driving with his wife when the rhea suddenly appeared.

Mr Jay shared a video, which was filmed by his wife, on social media with the caption: "That's the biggest chicken I've ever seen."

Speaking to the BBC, he added: "We were just on our way back from shopping and it just jumped out in front of the car.

"It was shock at first. I didn't expect to see something like that. I thought it was an emu.

"It made our day."

The rhea escaped from a farm in Repton through a gate which was left open, a farmer said.

The bird has since been safely reunited with its rightful owner and is in good health after being checked over by vets.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, external, on X, external, or on Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk, external or via WhatsApp, external on 0808 100 2210.