An escaped emu is on the loose in the Isle of Sheppey after it was frightened by high winds from Storm Gareth and took flight.

Owner Jan James has appealed on Facebook for information about the runaway bird and her pleas have been re-tweeted on Twitter.

She said: "Please message me me if you see our beautiful Emu.

"She’s jumped our perimeter fence as the high winds have freaked her out.

"She’s not dangerous BUT please don’t chase or approach as she’s nervous of people she doesn’t know and will run even further away.

"She’s running around the fields that go down to the bird reserve and Leysdown beach.

"Hopefully, she will come back on her own and jump back over (the fence) but I would appreciate any sightings."

The alert was also published by EmmaSearch4DogsTortoisesCatsBirds on Twitter.

It said: "Frightened by gusting wind... running near Leysdown... scared of people... needs finding asap."

Animal rescue services on the Island have also been alerted.