Staff and customers got in a flap when a peregrine falcon swooped into a charity shop in Stoke-on-Trent and perched on the shelves.

The large bird of prey flew through the doors of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) store on Campbell Place.

It soared so close to one shopper, the tip of one of its wings brushed against their ear.

Pictures taken by stunned staff show the bird perched on the top shelf of the electronics section of the shop.

Staff provided a dish of water for the falcon while a vet was called who rescued the bird.

The bird perched on a shelf in the electronics section of British Heart Foundation on Campbell Road in Stoke (Google).

Store manager Becci Rouse said: "We welcome all visitors at the BHF, but we were very surprised when none other than a peregrine falcon flew through our doors.

"The bird took a liking to the electrical display and perched there while staff and volunteers closed the store, gave it water and took a photo of it. 

"It did mean he stopped any stock flying off our shelves, but we didn't mind in this fun circumstance.

"A big thank you to our staff, volunteers and the Stoke-on-Trent community who helped rescue the falcon and get him safely to the vets."

After it was checked at a local branch of vet charity PDSA, the falcon was transferred to the Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre in Eccleshall, Staffs.

The bird was believed to be a lost pet and the centre is appealing for the owner to come forward.

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