A MAN has appealed for help in tracing a prized bird of prey stolen from an aviary at his house.

Stephen Marr of Easington Village, who hunts with birds of prey, said thieves had broken into one of several aviaries and made off with a goshawk called Vadim, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mr Marr said:”I last saw Vadim in the aviary at 10.30pm on Saturday.

“I have about 20 birds altogether in about 10 different aviaries, including gohawks, hybrid falcons Harris hawks.

“The thieves went past all the others to get this goshawk. He is well known for his hunting skills – even abroad through goshawk groups and on social media.”

He added: “I have had him since he was 10 days old and he was nearly five years old.

“I hunted with him all over the country, catching animals like rabbits, pheasants, ducks and squirrels.

“They probably stole the goshawk in the early hours of Sunday morning. Some of the neighbours say they heard what they thought was a baby crying, but it might have been him.”

Police are investigation.

Anyone with information should contact Mr Marr on 07534482060 or Durham Police on 101.