A MASKED thief nearly met his match when he stole two parrots in a daring raid yesterday.

The balaclava-clad man grabbed the African Grey and Orange Winged Amazon birds after threatening staff at Darlington Aquatics and Pets.

But he reckoned without 60-year-old shop owner Maurice McCloskey, who chased the intruder down Gladstone Street, forcing him to drop one of the cages, containing the African Grey.

The daring boss then leapt into the getaway car and struggled with the man as the vehicle swerved all over the road.

Eventually, Mr McCloskey was forced from the vehicle. The culprit then crashed his car into a police motorcycle, knocking the officer to the ground, before speeding off once again.

Brave Mr McCloskey said last night: "It was a spur of the moment thing to chase after him, but I thought how dare somebody come in here and pinch my stuff?"

The car was dumped in the Milbank Road area and set on fire following the raid, which happened at about 4.45pm. The fate of the second parrot remains unknown.

Mr MrCloskey said: "He didn't ask for any money, he came in here with the intention of stealing those birds.

"I have a big red mark on the side of my face where he hit me. But I did manage to save one bird so at least that's something."

Police were hunting the thief last night, as fire crews dealt with the burning white car.

Acting Inspector Steven Steen said: "The parrot was not in the car we found. We are looking for a man with a parrot."

Anyone with information should contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681.