M6 chaos as large bird of prey forces traffic to swerve in Stoke-on-Trent

Hayley Parker

30 November 2024 at 7:36 am·1-min read

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)

A large bird of prey brought chaos to the M6 in Staffordshire as drivers were forced to swerve out of the way. Multiple 999 calls were made after the buzzard was spotted on the motorway close to Keele Services yesterday (November 29).

Motorists had to break heavily or swiftly change lanes to avoid hitting the feathered obstruction. But eagle-eyed officers were able to spot the bird - believed to be injured - on the central reservation before anyone came to any harm.

Staffordshire's newly-formed road crime team shared a photo of the bird being brought to safety. Sharing details on social media, a Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Well that was Hawkward. Multiple calls about a ‘large bird of prey’ on the motorway causing vehicles to swerve and brake heavily.

"We attended and our eagle-eyed officers located and identified what we believe to be a common buzzard, near to Keele services, standing on the centre reservation on the edge of lane 3.

"We have contained the bird, which may be injured, and are taking it to a local vet which has agreed to take and treat."

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