A falcon which found itself stranded near a railway bridge has been rescued.

The bird of prey was seen sitting under the Luton arches in Chatham at around 7am.

Witnesses say people were trying to kick the helpless animal as they crossed its path.

Natasha McPhee, of Animals Lost and Foud in Kent, was later called and by around 8.30am she called Kent Wildlife Trust who aided her at the scene.

She said: “When I got there I tried to catch it myself but it kept getting away from me and eventually it flew away down theHigh Street.

“I thought i had lost it but then I got another call from someone saying the bird was on a window ledge on a pub down the road.”

Natasha needed help and so called upon two volunteers and bird experts, who offered their expertise.

Natasha became aware of their help through social media two years ago and they offered to help in every bird related incident.

Being avid ornithologists and own many of their own birds, it was this expertise which helped rescue the falcon.

By 9.16am they sent a photo to Natasha of the secured animal tucked away in a small blanket.

Although no injuries were observed the falcon was then taken to Trinity’s vets to be checked over.

Natasha said: “It had some mites and only one tag on its foots which i’m told is wrong for a bird of this type to have.

“This would be an indication it was neglected.”

Natasha is attempting to trace its owner but for now the feathered friend has been taken to a bird sanctuary.