An emu has been spotted on the loose and roaming country roads.

The animal was pictured walking in the middle of Iwade Road just outside Iwade near Sittingbourne.

The escapee was seen by a woman, who preferred not to be named, on her way home from work at around 3.45pm this afternoon (Thursday).

She says she informed the police about the runaway.

Posts on social media speculated that it belonged to the nearby Happy Pants Ranch, a sanctuary for unwanted and abandoned animals.

It is understood the Emu has been safely returned to the charity.

Police have been approached for comment.