Sgt Rashid Hussain and Pc Charles Storey were called to the B6309 road in New Ridley, Hexham, early on Sunday to help the deer.

The animal collapsed as the officers approached. There was blood on its rear as if it had been hit by a vehicle.

It was taken to an animal sanctuary and treated before being released close to where it was found to give birth.

The quick-thinking Northumbria Police officers contacted the North Farm Animal Sanctuary in Throckley to take in the deer after no vets were available.

A police spokesman said the deer allowed Pc Storey to stroke and reassure it before lifting the animal into the van and taking it to the sanctuary.

Although the deer was not seriously injured it was on the brink of giving birth and was released on Tuesday to give birth in its natural habitat.