First it was going to be shot, then it was going to be saved, now the Tesco wagtail may have found its own way out after all.

It evaded all attempts at capture and even escaped a death sentence.

Now, it seems, the common wagtail which set up its home in a Tesco superstore may have fled the building of its own accord.

The bird - which Tesco had vowed to send in snipers to shoot - was conspicuous by its absence from the Great Yarmouth outlet yesterday, with staff telling shoppers it had finally escaped.

Andrea Pullinger, a Tesco customer who lives in the area said: 'When I mentioned the wagtail to a member of staff she told me it had gone.'

Officials at the store were unable to verify the claims, pointing out that the bird may just be in hiding.

A spokesman said: 'We can't confirm at this stage, it may just not be visible at the moment.'

The development came as ornithologist and television presenter Bill Oddie weighed into the debate on social media. In a message on Twitter, he said: 'Tesco store refused permission to shoot a Pied Wagtail! Yes, and no bombing butterflies or murdering mice I trust. Incidentally, many supermarket roofs and car parks provide excellent nesting and roosting places for Pied Wagtails. Delightful sights.'

The bird was given a stay of execution on Thursday after the EDP highlighted Tesco's decision to bring in marksmen to kill the creature.

The plans had caused outrage on social media, with bird-lovers encouraging Tesco to continue trying non-lethal ways of removing it.

Now it appears to be saved however, Twitter has seen the lighter side and the wagtail now has its own account - @pied_wagtail00.

One of the messages posted on the account read: 'Ok, i've had some crumbs. I've got one baking, what time are the snipers due @Tesco'

'Hi @sainsburys, it seems a little overpriced here. How much are your cashews?' another read.

Have you seen the wagtail while you were shopping? Email polly.grice@archant.co.uk