Police spent much of the night hunting for three runaway ostriches which escaped from a farm and gave drivers a shock.

One of the feathered fugitives, nicknamed Olli, remains on the loose today.

Members of the public have been warned not to approach.

The flightless birds escaped from a compound near Billingshurst at 2.40am today.

Startled motorists called the police to report the unusual creatures running through the countryside.

One late-night driver said: "You expect to see the odd cow or sheep break loose but I couldn't believe my eyes when an ostrich appeared in my headlights."

One of the birds died after running in to the path of a van on the A264. The van was badly damaged by impact of the five-stone creature.

A police unit was dispatched and officers spent more than an hour trying to capture a second bird.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Officers attempted to restrain the bird and spent over an hour struggling with it.

"Then a vet came and together they tried to move the bird off the road. They tried to hang on as the vet gave it a sedative, but it had no effect and he had to put it down."

The third ostrich, a 4st female, is still on the loose and police are advising well-meaning animal lovers to keep their distance.

The police spokesman said: "She will be terrified and very distressed.

"We've found that when approached they kind of charge off and run through fences, and they're very fast."

It is believed the trio escaped from a farm near Five Oaks which rears the birds.

Anyone who spots the escaped ostrich should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.