A PIGEON stuck in a church tower caused a flap - bringing traffic to a standstill as firefighters tried to rescue the injured bird.

Fire crews were called to rescue the pigeon, which was caught in netting on the clockface of St Helen's Church, Abingdon, at about 4pm on Monday.

It took eight firefighters almost half an hour to free the bleeding bird, which was then taken to St Tiggywinkles animal hospital, in Haddenham, near Thame.

RSPCA officials said yesterday that the pigeon might have to lose a leg.

The first fire engine on the scene could not reach the bird, so another appliance with a taller platform was sent from Oxford's Rewley Road station to continue the rescue operation.

A spokesman for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We don't usually come out to cats up trees, but this bird was distressed and bleeding. We couldn't just leave it to die. We were called by the RSPCA and acted on their advice."

Traffic was stationary along St Helen's Wharf, as fire engines blocked both lanes, and many people got out of their cars to watch the operation.

Eyewitness Michael Hocken said: "Local residents, many of whom have campaigned against the new traffic system, were wryly amused to see that a pigeon had managed to close off the traffic along the dangerous Wharf rat-run.

"All were relieved to see the bird brought down alive. The RSPCA officers said it would be looked after."

A member of the public alerted the RSPCA to the bird's condition, before the fire brigade was called.

RSPCA inspector Doug Davidson said: "He had battered himself trying to escape and was pretty exhausted, but with a bit of luck he will make it.

"The RSPCA is very grateful to the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for their help."