POLICE in a northern Scottish town have been called to remove a sparrowhawk from its perch, on top of someone's Christmas tree.

The bird of prey reportedly flew into a house in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, through an open door before taking up residence on top of the festive pine.

Police were then called to take the hawk away to safety.

Sharing the news on Facebook, North East Police Division said it was "definitely a change from a partridge on a pear tree".

The National:

They went on: "This lovely lady [the sparrowhawk] allowed herself in to a house in Ellon this afternoon through an open door and had to be rescued from the top of the Christmas tree.

"Huge thanks to The New Arc in Ellon for assistance in catching and releasing this sparrowhawk."

They also invited people to share their Christmas puns in the comments.

One user commented: "An alternative tree topper, just trying to get a bird's eye view. Hope she wasn't too hawkward when they were taking her down."

Another added: "Hawk the herald angels sing..."

While a third said: "She just wanted to be the star of the show."