Bird of prey spotted in Muxton, Telford

Police today appealed for help to trace the owner of a bird of prey which has been spotted circling over a Shropshire village.

Officers said several concerned residents had spotted the bird, which is believed to be either a hawk or a buzzard, in the last week.

They said the bird had been spotted in the Wellington Road area of Muxton on a number of occasions.

Resident Margaret Riley said she and her husband John had first spotted the bird, which she identified as a harris hawk, last Wednesday.

It then appeared in their garden every day up until Saturday but it had not appeared since then, she added.

Police said they had received two separate calls from members of the public who have also spotted the bird and they are now attempting to trace the owner.

A spokeswoman said there had been no ownership claims so far. Call police on 0300 333 3000.