A jogger has become the latest victim of a territorial pet emu, which stalks the fields surrounding a quiet country village.

Debbie Chapman, of Mallard Crescent, Iwade, encountered the bird - thought be called Jimmy and the resident of a nearby farm - when she was out on her morning run yesterday.

As the 37-year-old crossed a patch of land that acts as a shortcut to her home, she suddenly found herself face to face with the six-foot emu.

The 37-year-old said: “I was going through a field that has about a dozen horses in it, but they weren’t taking any notice of me.

“Then all of a sudden, they all started cantering and I looked up and thought, what the hell is that? It was this really big bird.

“It came up to me and I was backing away really slowly - not knowing if it was going to pounce on me. I’m only 5’3” so it was scary.

“I didn’t know whether I should be calling the RSPCA or the police.

“I did manage to take a few photos of him though.”

But this is not the first time a motorist or pedestrian has been left quaking in their boots following an encounter with Jimmy.

In early July, Strood resident Darren Jenner was chased by the bolshy bird while he was having a stroll in a field with his two Labradoodles.

The 51-year-old was forced to run away when Jimmy decided he was in no mood for making friends.

Have you had a run-in with Jimmy? Let us know by emailing sittingbourne@thekmgroup.co.uk