What a too-wit to-do! Owl flies into power cables at police HQ

FEATHERS were ruffled yesterday at a police HQ after an owl knocked out most of the power.

For more than 12 hours, Avon and Somerset Police could only deal with 999 emergency calls as the bird had flown into power cables.

The force had to urge people to avoid using the non-emergency 101 service.

The HQ at Portishead said neighbouring forces supported them with their 999 call response.

Becky Tipper, centre manager for communications at Avon and Somerset Police, said staff came in on their day off to make sure anyone dialling 999 could still get through. The force usually receives about 3,000 calls on a typical bank holiday Monday, she said, and would be ‘extra busy’.

A back-up service ran from Taunton and two other forces helped field calls.

A spokesman said: ‘We’re pleased to confirm that all systems are now back up and running and normal bank holiday service has been resumed.’ He said he was unsure of the owl’s fate, but added: ‘But we certainly hope our feathered friend escaped without injury.’