Ostriches can reach running speeds of up to 45mph

One of two ostriches that went on the rampage after escaping from a farm in Cheshire has been killed on a motorway.

The 4ft (1.2m) tall birds, described as aggressive, went on the run in Helsby, near Frodsham, after getting free.

One of the pair died when it strayed on to the M56 and was struck by a lorry. The driver, from Wrexham, was not injured but the vehicle was damaged.

Officers recaptured the other ostrich in a field just after 1430 BST and it has been returned to its owner.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "The RSPCA, the owner of the ostrich, and police patrols contained the second ostrich."

Ostriches are the largest living species of bird and cannot fly, but are able to run at speeds of up to 45 mph.