Bridge cat 'stuck' for six days walks home after failed rescue Published duration 30 May 2019

image copyright Plymouth Live/Penny Cross image caption Hatty was trapped on the Royal Albert Bridge for six days

A pet cat that was "stuck" on a railway bridge for six days, sparking a major rescue operation, has walked home.

Five-year-old Hatty got trapped on the 30ft (9m) section of the Royal Albert Bridge, which connects Plymouth and Saltash, on Friday.

Firefighters spent hours trying to rescue her while Network Rail planned to close the line to help save her.

Owner Kirsty Howden told Plymouth Live she was "shocked and elated" Hatty had returned home on Wednesday night.

image caption Her owner Kirsty Howden said she was about to join a second rescue attempt when she "heard a miaow outside"

Ms Howden, 39, said the mischievous moggy wandered back home from the bridge - 500ft (152m) away - at about 23:00 BST.

The mother-of-three said she was just about to join a second rescue attempt when she "heard a miaow outside".

"She is a bit skinny and smelly, very vocal and has now headed upstairs and put herself to bed," Ms Howden said.

The cat had been missing for two weeks.

image copyright Plymouth Live/Penny Cross image caption A firefighter tried to lure Hatty out from her hiding place using a variety of treats

The Royal Albert Bridge carries the main line in and out of Cornwall across the River Tamar.

It is thought Hatty was scared on to her precarious perch beneath the line by a passing train.

image copyright Plymouth Live/Penny Cross image caption Ms Howden (right) watched the rescue bid on Wednesday

Firefighters hacked away undergrowth to bring in one of their biggest ladders and offered a selection of treats to try to lure her out.

But nothing worked and the rescue was called off - until Hatty somehow escaped by herself hours later.

You may also like: