A DEER was spotted near a railway track in Warrington.

Footage has been captured of the animal by 10-year-old Great Sankey resident, Oliver McElkerney, who sighted the deer moving between shrubbery on a patch of land close to the railway line.

It was confirmed that the deer had first been spotted on the train track in between Snowberry Crescent and Old Liverpool Road yesterday, Sunday (March 10).

Oliver’s step-father, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “Not a sight you see every day. I have reported this to Network Rail who have said there isn't another train due until tonight but will check later to make sure the deer is safe if it is still on the track.”

Oliver was able to capture a clear picture and two pieces of footage which showed the deer moving along the grassy verge.

However, this is not the first time Warrington residents have reported sightings of deer close to railway lines.

Warrington Guardian: Oliver McElkerney Oliver McElkerney (Image: Oliver McElkerney)

Just last year in September a Sankey Bridges local caught images of a deer crossing the railway line and stood clearly on the tracks.

A Cheshire Wildlife spokesperson issued a statement following that sighting, saying: “It’s great that people in Warrington are able to enjoy one of our native mammals so close to home.”

The species enjoy eating ‘leaves and buds from trees, as well as ferns, grasses and heathers’.

“With our urban areas expanding, all of these factors increase the likelihood of us seeing them,” A Cheshire Wildlife Trust spokesperson added.

“Despite the positive increase in our deer populations, the UK is statistically one of the most nature depleted countries in the world – a staggering 41 per cent of our wild plants and animal species are reducing.

“Sightings like this however shows that there is a huge resilience in nature to restore itself, which gives a lot of hope.”