Rescue teams spent five hours freeing a bald eagle after its wing got stuck in a communications tower - leaving it hanging hundreds of feet above the ground.

A dramatic video shows the bird of prey hanging from the tower with its left wing stuck in the tower's ice shield.

The bird was spotted by bird watcher Blake Bohinc, who called the police.

Police in Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA contacted the Radio Communications supervisor and the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

Both organisations coordinated with certified tower climbers to conduct a rescue operation for the eagle, who was freed after five hours.

Sheriff Shaun Golden, of Monmouth County, said: "Thanks all for this tremendous effort in ensuring the wellbeing of the eagle."

"Each person and agency involved played an important role in bringing this helpless bird to safety."

The bird, which was found trapped at 5 pm on July 7, was later taken to a rehab center.

Rescue teams spent five hours freeing a bald eagle after its wing got stuck in a communications tower - leaving it hanging hundreds of feet above the ground.

Dramatic video shows the bird of prey hanging from the tower with its left wing stuck in the tower's ice shield.

The bird was spotted by bird watcher Blake Bohinc, who called police.

Police in Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA contacted the Radio Communications supervisor and the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

Both organisations coordinated with certified tower climbers to conduct a rescue operation for the eagle, who was freed after five hours.

Sheriff Shaun Golden, of Monmouth County, said: "Thanks all for this tremendous effort in ensuring the wellbeing of the eagle."

"Each person and agency involved played an important role in bringing this helpless bird to safety."

The bird, which was found trapped at 5pm on July 7, was later taken to a rehab center.