THE PCSO leading efforts to capture a gang of large birds on the loose in South Wonston has reassured residents they are safe to approach.

Three flightless rhea are still roaming countryside north of Winchester after a group of six escaped their pen last week.

The ostrich-like birds, which can grow to five feet tall and reach speeds of 40mph, have been known to attack humans and are said to be able to disembowel someone with one strike.

But PCSO Amey Stevens says the South Wonston birds are scared of humans. She encouraged locals to help bring them home.

The rhea escaped from a smallholding in Alresford Drove after pushing their way through pig wire late last week. Two were quickly recovered by owner Robert Memory and the third was captured this week.

Another was spotted eating pea plants in Wonston Manor Farm on Wednesday but couldn't be captured, said PCSO Stevens.

She said: "We tried to catch it but there were only three of us and it kept running off. It actually seemed very scared – there's nothing to worry about, it's not going to attack anyone.

"It's going to take a circle of people to close in on it."

Mr Memory is out every day trying to lure the birds back with cabbage and brown bread, PCSO Stevens said.

Residents willing to help capture the birds are advised to approach slowly and calmly and throw a t-shirt over their head.

Mr Memory has declined to speak to the Chronicle.