THIEVES broke into a garden shed and either released or stolen a bird of prey which lives there, it has emerged.

Police were called in following the incident at Meeting Green, in Wickhambrook, which is thought to have happened at about 12.50am on Saturday.

It is understood that whoever took the goshawk broke into the rear garden shed by cutting through the padlock.

The bird is female, 14 years old, and has a silver anodized rung on her right foot.

A police spokeswoman said: “It would not survive in the wild and the owner is anxious to know its whereabouts.”

Goshawks are well-built hawks which are known which have wingspans of between 100 and 150cms.

Similar to sparrowhawks, goshawks have close horizontally barred underparts and a broadly barred grey tail and are known to be elusive birds.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Pc Andrew Green at Haverhill police on 01284 774100. Anybody who has seen the bird in the area can also contact the owner directly by contacting 07976 504362.