Policeman rescues injured owl near Nidd - then it naps peacefully in his hat

Traffic officer Rob Roberts was on patrol near Ripley at around 1am on April 24 when he noticed the bird perched on a nearby tree.

The officer then witnessed the unfortunate owl collide into a tree as it tried to fly away, injuring its wing and leg in the process.

Proving just how varied life as a policeman in rural North Yorkshire is, TC Roberts pulled on his gloves and retrieved the injured bird.

With the owl in his hands, he popped open the boot and laid the owl to rest in the best place he could think of - his own police hat.

TC Robert's new feathered friend was safely transported back to Harrogate Police Station and picked up later that day by the RSPB.

The RSPB said they predict the owl will make a full recovery and be released in two to three days, to the delight of all Harrogate Police Station.

TC Roberts said: "There weren't many people in the office when we took it back but those that were there managed to get a selfie or two.

"Unfortunately we didn't have time to name it, but we did have time to make a bed for it in a cardboard box and leave it on the Sergeant's desk."