FOOD safety concerns have been raised as a bird remains trapped in a Bournemouth supermarket.

A magpie has been seen soaring around the aisles of a Tesco superstore on Riverside Avenue, near Castle Lane.

The supermarket remains open and insists that there is no impact on its 'high standards of hygiene.'

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "There are obvious food safety concerns involved in situations like this, and it would be best if the magpie is encouraged to leave the store by opening external doors and windows from which the bird can easily exit.

"It is best to give the bird time to find a way out and to monitor the magpie's progress as it may take them some time to leave.

"If that proves unsuccessful, a local wildlife rescue may also be able to help by catching and directing the bird towards the doors."

Tesco explained that it has contacted specialists to assist with removing the magpie.

A spokesperson for Tesco said: "We are working with specialists and local wildlife organisations to help the bird safely exit our Bournemouth Extra store."

Residents have expressed concern about the bird's wellbeing and have questioned why it has not yet been rescued from the supermarket.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Magpies are a daring species and can become used to being around people.

"They are incredibly intelligent, and this may be why this bird flew into the Bournemouth supermarket in the hope [it] will be fed snacks."

Magpies' natural diet includes insects, berries, and grains, but they are well-known as scavengers, so they will often take any food they can find.