Firefighters were called to rescue a goose family stranded in Woodford Green this morning after one of the parents was killed.

A concerned member of the public called at around 8am to say the birds were in a “precarious” position in the High Road but by the time the crew arrived, one adult goose had fallen foul of the traffic and been decapitated.

Its partner was left in a flap running around the busy road, leaving their five goslings in danger.

Watch manager Terry Jayes said: “It was panicking and running around honking. We ushered them out the road back towards the pond.

“The RSPB are going to remove the body but the goose was still honking so we moved it over so it knows where it is.”

It is believed the geese cross the road to move between ponds several times a day.

Geese are monogamous and live in permanent pairs through the year. Canada Geese like the unfortunate Woodford Green pair are some of the most devoted, staying together until death.