A desperate mission to rescue a parrot that is scared of the dark was launched after he broke out his harness and flew away from his owner in Purley.

Firefighters were called after Mr Mango, a black and gold macaw, flew from Becky Page yesterday afternoon at about 3pm.

She required the help of a man with a cherry-picker to bring him safely back to earth this morning.

Mr Mango checked over by vets after being chased and attacked by crows - who were presumably jealous of his colourful feathers - during his escapade.

He spent a night alone high in a tree just off Purley Way despite being scared of the dark.

Rosie Cantrell, part of the lost and found team at Problem Parrots, in Shropshire, did her best to help from afar.

She enlisted the help of Matt with a cherry picker who, after a cup of tea, came to the aid Ms Page.

She said: "The problem with Macaws is they can go high but they can't come down.

"She's [Ms Page] going to get up in the cherry picker and get Mr Mango down.

"They got the fire brigade out yesterday which was lovely as we've never had a fire brigade out without the RSPCA."

Your Local Guardian:

Mr Mango was somewhere in these trees

Yesterday's rescue attempt failed as Mr Mango became scared and moved away from the fire crew, but it is hoped with Ms Page going up into the tree, Mr Mango will come down safely.

Have you seen Mr Mango? Get in touch on 020 8722 6368 or ellie.cambridge@london.newsquest.co.uk