How a deer had to be rescued from a police station

'It seems as though wildlife is getting used to quieter towns and less traffic on the roads'

Police have had some unusual and rowdy suspects in custody at times - but they were left flummoxed when their latest offender was a beautiful deer.

Rather than committing any offence, the intelligent doe had managed to navigate her way inside Mansfield Police Station - which is surrounded by a six-foot fence and the gates only open when vehicles come in and out.

It was a perplexing challenge for RSPCA chief inspector Simon Parker who had been at home enjoying a birthday barbecue with his family on Sunday afternoon (May 24) when he was called out to the station.

He responded to an emergency call from the police to rescue the deer after she wandered into the police station and got stuck within the compound.

Mr Parker said: “Nottinghamshire Police contacted us requesting assistance after spotting the female roe deer on their CCTV.

“They had no i-deer how she got in as the whole site is surrounded by 6ft fence and the gates only open when vehicles come in and out.

How you can sign up to our daily newsletter

Want today's big stories delivered to your inbox? Why not sign up to our daily newsletter.

Every day we send out news, Nottingham Forest and what's on newsletters containing the top stories from our journalists.

Sign up to our newsletters here.

“I suspect she came from nearby woods, ventured inside the police station and then couldn’t find her way out.”

Simon and a vet managed to dart the deer from 20m and waited for the sedative to take effect (pictured) before tagging her, moving her to the woods nearby and releasing her back into the wild.

He added: “This is the third weekend in a row that I’ve been called out to an emergency deer rescue. It seems as though wildlife is getting used to quieter towns and less traffic on the roads.

“I’m pleased we were able to help this deer quickly before she became too distressed and that she’s now back in the wild where she should be.”

If you come across a wild animal who needs help, the RSPCA advises monitoring from a safe distance and contacting it’s emergency hotline on 0300 1234 999 for assistance.

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals like this deer and keep our animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care through these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid.