Rescue helicopter goes on 40-mile round trip and finds goats
A worried member of the public sparked a police helicopter search after mistakenly reporting screams for help in Cheddar Gorge, Somerset - which turned out to be a goat and her kid.
Following the 999 call reporting cries from the cliffs, a police helicopter was sent from Filton in Bristol, 20 miles away.
Within minutes of arriving at Cheddar Gorge, however, police quickly realised the sounds were actually coming from a goat and her kid.
Avon and Somerset Police said: "The caller reported hearing cries from the cliffs. Any concern for welfare is taken very seriously, particularly in areas where walkers can fall and injure themselves.
"Our search and rescue team were in the area and checked the cliffs using video and thermal imaging. We couldn’t find anyone in distress. However, there were a number of goats on the cliffs and it is possible that the member of public misheard."
The National Police Air Service, tweeted: "Cheddar Gorge reports of cries for help. We located a goat and her baby believed responsible for the calling. We're not kidding!"
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
