A sparrowhawk was released back to freedom after knocking itself out on the window of a flat on St Mary's Island.

Carly Ahlen, founder of Gabo Wildlife rescue service, was called to help rescue the bird of prey and believes it would have died without help.

"I received a called from a gentleman living in a top floor new build apartment about a bird in distress," said Carly, who lives in Greenhithe. "He had tried to call the RSPCA for six hours with no joy so he was over the moon when I arrived after 30 mins of receiving his frantic call.

"The bird was a female sparrowhawk, she has knocked herself out on the glass balcony and was in real danger - death was imminent."

Having transferred the bird to a travel cage, Carly took it for a medical assessment.

"Luckily no broken bones," she added. "I tested her for shock and also fed her up over the next four days and back to full condition."

She was later able to release the sparrowhawk back into the wild in countryside near Upnor.

Carly added: "When I rescue wildlife, when possible I release them back into their territory as they will need to keep it and also might have part of a family group there too.

"Due to the precarious place I rescued her, at the top of a high rise flat in highly developed area I found the closest wooded and natural environment to release her into.

"It was magnificent to watch her soar the greatest heights again when I opened the door back to freedom."

To find out more about Gabo Wildlife visit https://directory.helpwildlife.co.uk/small-rescues/0455/