AN injured pigeon was rescued by firefighters after it was dumped at Farnworth Fire Station.

Crew members spotted a man leaving a cardboard box in the back yard of the fire station at around 9.30pm on Monday, June 10.

When they went out to investigate, they found a pigeon in the box.

Watch manager Darren Banks said he did not know why the bird had been left at the station and why the man had not rung the bell to let them know.

He said officers had no idea what could be inside the box, and had heard the bird “scampering about” inside.

They brought the pigeon inside the station, where it stayed overnight until it was collected by the RSPCA on Tuesday morning.

Mr Banks said: “I think we were surprised rather than shocked as we wern’t sure what it was going to be and quite surprise the man hadn’t rung the door bell or knocked on the door.

“The pigeon seemed okay but I think it had a problem with its wings as it couldn’t fly .