‘Magpie’s lucky day!’ Bird saved by firefighters after falling down Clapton chimney

Firefighters with the rescued magpie in Narford Road, Clapton. Photograph: London Fire Brigade

When it comes to spotting magpies, it’s usually ‘one for sorrow’.

But a single lucky bird has quashed that superstition after surviving a fall down a chimney on Narford Road in Clapton.

The fortunate feathered friend was extricated from its precarious position by a fire crew from Stoke Newington – just nine minutes after the alarm was first raised.

The bird had ended up behind a cast-iron fireplace at a house that has been converted into flats, but thankfully appeared to be in good health despite its ordeal.

Sub-officer Nikolajs Zakis, who was at the scene, said: “After having a look, we could see the bird was stuck in a small hole or crack in the base of the fireplace.

“Unfortunately it was too restrictive for the bird to spread its wings but there was just enough room for us to reach in and remove it.

“The bird was uninjured, very friendly and did not attack or make much noise, and once we released it outside, it flew into the nearest tree.

“The magpie is a symbol of good luck and fortune but this time it was the magpie’s lucky day!”

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters love animals and we are ready, willing and able to assist distressed or injured animals – the last thing we want is for people to put themselves at risk rescuing an animal themselves – but we do encourage people to call the RSPCA in the first instance and we will assist if our specialist equipment is required.”