The RSPCA has rescued a sparrowhawk stuck inside a castle.

The bird of prey flew into the keep gift shop at Dover Castle on the afternoon of Monday, April 10, chasing a pigeon but couldn’t find his way out.

The pigeon got away unscathed.

Staff at the castle left the sparrowhawk, who had perched up in the rafters of the open-plan building, overnight with doors and windows open, hoping he’d find his own way out.

But they returned the next day to find he was still stuck inside and so called in the RSPCA for help.

RSPCA inspector Dave Grant attended and set about trying to catch the bird.

Tom Hackett, operations supervisor at the castle, said: “It took Dave around 45 minutes to catch the hawk but he finally managed to trap him in the net.

“He checked him over before releasing him in the castle grounds.

“It was such a lovely bird and we really appreciated the RSPCA’s help. The inspector was an absolute hero.”

Staff said they’d have birds inside the castle buildings before but had never seen a sparrowhawk so close.

Inspector Grant said: “The castle staff did the right thing in letting the bird try to find his own way out.

"But after 24 hours inside they were starting to get worried about him so called us in.

“Thankfully I was able to catch the bird and, as he wasn’t injured in any way, released him straight back into the wild where he belongs.

“It was lovely to watch him fly away. It’s always nice to have a happy ending and to release a wild animal or bird back into the countryside.”

The RSPCA urges people not to get too close to any wild animal or bird as they can scratch or bite when frightened.

If you believe the animal or bird is injured or sick, or you’re concerned for its welfare, call its 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.

A member of staff on the line will give advice or send an officer out.