A dozen pigeons had to be rescued after getting trapped behind newly-installed wire meshing.

Firefighters were called at 6.59am yesterday (November 8) after the birds got trapped at the former New Century cinema in Sittingbourne High Street.

Kent Wildlife Rescue Service attended and called the fire service after the volunteers were unable to get them out.

One fire engine attended and crews removed part of the soffit to allow the birds to escape. They were out by 7.20am.

Kent Wildlife Rescue Service said: “They counted about a dozen birds inside the mesh and made a large enough hole in the installation for them to get out.

“We'll monitor the situation and have contacted the landlord of the property.”