On the run rheas spotted in Walcott Green in north Norfolk

It is the latest development amid an ongoing hunt for the flightless birds which rampaged through a town on Wednesday (June 21) before heading north to the coast.

A member of the public reported spotting a pair of them run out in front of his car on Monday (June 26) at about 7pm in Walcott Green before they disappeared into a small wooded area.

The rheas outside homes in Lyndford Road, Stalham (Image: Amy Jade Watson)

The runaway rheas, which are native to South America, have been on quite the journey since they got out from their farm in Common Road in Stalham.

A "mob" of them were spotted outside homes in Lyndford Road shortly after they escaped.

Twelve birds initially got loose but most of them have now been rounded up with drones and quad bikes being used in the search.

The rheas have reportedly been seen in Walcott Green (Image: Google)

Five are believed to still be on the run and on Friday (June 23), they were reportedly spotted in Happisburgh Common. 

But the latest sighting suggests the runaways could have travelled about 10km away from the farm.

Rheas, which are large flightless birds distantly related to ostriches and emus, can run at speeds up to 50mph.

Wildlife expert Kevin Murphy, of Norfolk Wildlife Rescue, said the birds could run the length of a football pitch every time they become spooked.

“Up close they can be intimidating," Mr Murphy added. 

"If they want to kick or peck you, they will – and it will hurt.

Kevin Murphy of Norfolk Wildlife Rescue (Image: Supplied by Kevin Murphy)

“Getting kicked by a rhea is like getting kicked by a horse. They’ve got claws as well so they can inflict some serious damage.

“They are a prey animal so they will defend themselves. It’s in their nature – it’s fight or flight with animals.

“Don’t recklessly try to catch them or jump on their backs. It must be a really coordinated effort to catch them safely."