A REWARD is on offer for the safe return of a hawk stolen in Brierfield early today.

Owner David Kelly has warned that the Harris hawk, slightly smaller than a crow, could be a danger to people if released.

The bird was in a travelling box in the back of his silver Vauxhall Vectra, P181 AEC, when the car was stolen from outside his home in Massey Street, Brierfield, at about 6.30am. David said: "I was loading the vehicle ready to go out hawking. I went back into the house and when I came back out the car had gone,

"It is not a display bird but a proper hunting bird. It is ready to go hunting, it is keen and if release in a town could approach people for food. It is about the size of a common buzzard or a bit smaller than a crow."

Also in the car was a telementary system, a devise used for tracking the bird when it is released.

David said: "That is in a blue box and unless the car was taken by another falconer it is absolutely useless."

Anyone finding the bird or seeing the car is asked to contact police on 01282 425001 or ring David on 01282 617933.

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