ON Tuesday, December 16, an off-duty Devon and Cornwall Police wildlife crime officer spotted an injured tawny owl on the A377.

After noticing the owl at the roadside, the officer stopped and carefully transported the injured bird to a nearby veterinary centre.

The owl was checked over and given treatment before being released back into the wild the following day.

Rural Affairs officer, PC Jules Fry said: “The officer’s compassionate actions demonstrate the deeply embedded values our wildlife crime officers share.

“We’d like to thank Jonathan Woods veterinary surgeons for treating the owl and we’re really pleased to confirm that the bird was released into its natural habitat the very next day.

“We’re committed to keeping our communities safe, 24/7 – and that applies to our feathered friends too!”.