Harris Hawk rescued from Harlow rooftop by firefighters

A Harris Hawk was rescued from the top of a house in Harlow on Monday evening (July 28) after becoming tangled in an aerial.

Firefighter Harry McWilliam rescued the hawk after it became entangled in an aerial (Image: Essex County Fire & Rescue Service) The bird’s owner was visibly distressed and firefighters feared they might attempt to climb the roof themselves to reach the bird.

Firefighter Harry McWilliam, who carried out the rescue, received advice from the hawk’s owner before ascending in an aerial ladder platform.

Scott Fretton, station manager, said: “It was one of our more unusual animal rescues.

“Harry took advice from the owner and covered the bird in a blanket to keep him calm, before releasing him from the aerial and placing him in a box to bring him back to the ground safely.”

The hawk was safely reunited with its owner and even posed for a photo with Harry after the rescue.

The hawk’s owner gave Harry some advice before rescuing the animal (Image: Essex County Fire & Rescue Service)

The incident drew a crowd of concerned residents, some of whom moved their vehicles to give firefighters access to the scene.

They applauded Harry once the bird was safely freed.

The incident was a reminder that firefighters are regularly called to help with more than just fires.