Pheasant stops traffic in Burnley town centre

The golden-brown game bird, which would normally been seen stalking countryside hedgerows, ventured onto the high street.

People looked on in amazement as the bird basked in the spring sunshine in St James’s Street and passers-by stopped to take pictures and feed it.

Susan Wantling (57), of Airdrie Crescent, said: “It was running up and down Manchester Road before. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it.

“I didn’t know what it was at first. It walked across the road and stopped all the traffic and someone tried to get it out of the way.

“It is a lovely bird.”

Another shopper added: “I just don’t know where it came from. Buses were having to stop for it. I have never seen anything like it in Burnley before.

“It looks quite tame. I wonder if it is someone’s pet?”