A goose which was shot by thugs with a crossbow has been released back into the wild after making a full recovery.

Concerned residents called the RSPCA last month after spotting the impaled bird on a large pond known as The Mere, behind Clarendon Road in Hazel Grove , Stockport .

A team of rescuers from the RSPCA and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spent more than an hour coaxing the Canada goose to safety.

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The team of nine, which included RSPCA animal welfare officer Steve Wickham and specialist water rescue officers from the fire service, cut off the top part of the arrow, before the goose was taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre for treatment.

Miraculously, the arrow skimmed the goose's heart and all its vital organs by millimetres and went right through its body.

The goose has spent the last month recovering from its horrific injuries, after undergoing surgery to remove the arrow.

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Now the RSPCA has released the fully-fit bird back into the wild.

Because the Canada goose is not indigenous to the UK, the charity had to apply for a licence to release it.

(Image: Matt Ratcliffe)

Steve said: "It was great to see him being released. He's very lively.

"They had him on antibiotics at the centre, to make sure there was no infection, then he went out on the pond and they made sure he could still fly before he was released."

No one has been arrested in connection with the incident, which is due to feature on the Crimewatch Roadshow.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 123 8018.