These images show how the underground in Mexico City was brought to a grinding halt after a chicken ventured onto the tracks.

The footage shows rescue workers chasing the chicken along the tracks and attempting to catch it, with three men seen trying to throw their jackets over it although it initially evades capture.

After making its way across the tracks to get to the other side, the bird is finally caught in front of incredulous commuters as the footage ends.

Newsflash obtained a statement and images from the Mexico City Metro Authority confirming on Monday, 15th May: “The Metro reports that transportation personnel from the organisation coordinated a power cut to rescue a chicken, which was located in the area of ​​the tracks of the Centro Medico station, Line 9.

“The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. yesterday.

“Immediately, Civil Protection personnel from the agency descended to the tracks to rescue the bird.

“After the chicken was rescued, the movement of the trains resumed immediately.”

Mexican media said that netizens were amused by the footage after it was shared online, with many saying that the chicken had attempted to “sabotage” the public transport network.

And one user reportedly said: “Damn destabilising chicken. Surely it belongs to the opposition!”