A MAGPIE trapped in a Bournemouth Tesco Extra has now been released. 

The bird flew into the supermarket in Castle Lane over two weeks ago and could be seen flapping around the aisles and between customers.

Customers raised both welfare concerns for the magpie and questions about food safety when the bird was allowed to roam freely within the store, particularly in areas where unpackaged fruits and vegetables were on display.

However, Tesco remained open to the public and insisted that the bird did not impact its 'high standards of hygiene.'

The RSPCA recommended that the staff give the magpie time to find a way out and to monitor the magpie's progress.

If that proves unsuccessful, they advised bringing in a local wildlife rescue to help catch the bird and direct it towards the doors.

A Tesco spokesperson said: "After working with specialists and local wildlife organisations, the bird has now safely left our Bournemouth Extra store."