A Wiltshire animal sanctuary has issued an urgent appeal to find a missing emu.

Malmesbury Animal Sanctuary has shared a photo of Irwin on social media in a bid to help locate the flightless bird.

A spokesperson said: "This morning we have discovered that our beautiful emu Irwin is nowhere to be seen.

"We are concerned for his safety fearing he may have slipped into the river and swept downstream due to the field being partially flooded at the bottom. "However, emus are strong and natural swimmers so it’s more likely that he exited on the opposite side of the river and is now resting in someone’s garden along the stretch between Dark Road and Daniel’s Well.

"Irwin has lived in the field for over five years and has never left it before in all weathers, so this behaviour is unusual and therefore likely to be an accident.

"Can we please ask everyone in that area to search their gardens, leep a look out and to let us know if you have seen any suspicious behaviour around the sanctuary. "Any sightings please text Gary on 07599 690697."