An emu has been spotted strutting along a road near Maidstone.

The exotic bird, which is the second largest living bird by height, besides the ostrich, was snapped making its way along Sheephurst Lane in Marden this morning.

It's pictured confidently walking right in the middle of the road, blocking the path of a van behind.

Owner, Jeremy Britcher, says it escaped through a fence of Beech Farm, also in Sheephurst Lane, before 7am this morning.

Mr Britcher said: "The things are mating and they become a bit crazy.. one busted through the fence. Naughty Mew. It's the first time one of mine has got out."

He added: "It got out this morning at breakfast and was back in within an hour - had a quick cheeky run around first."

Although native to Australia, they are farmed in the UK, and can run up to 30mph, grow up to two metres tall and have two sets of eyelids.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone