THIEVES have stolen a trained hawk during a raid on a birds of prey centre.

Staff at the International Birds of Prey Centre at Duncombe Park, near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, were said to be “beside themselves” following the theft.

The young male Harris Hawk was taken sometime between 5pm on Thursday and 8.30am on Friday, November 13, during a burglary.

Charlie Heap, who works at the centre, said he wanted everyone to keep their eyes peeled. He added: "Cirrus was an integral part of our flying team. We want him back home."

Harris Hawks are medium-large birds of prey that range from the southwestern United States south to central Argentina. They have dark brown plumage and a white-tipped tail. Their intelligence and social nature means they are easy to train and very popular in falconry.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them. Ring 101, select option one and ask for the force control room.