POLICE have returned an African Grey parrot to its owner after it was stolen from a house in a Kent village.

Claude, an African Grey parrot vanished from the property in Headcorn, near Maidstone, in the early hours of Sunday, August 13, leaving his owner Gary Howard distraught.

A media appeal was launched and information was received that Claude may be in the Faversham area.

The Police Faversham Rural Neighbourhood Team executed a search warrant and the parrot was seized.

A 35-year-old Faversham woman has been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. She has been bailed to Sittingbourne police station pending further enquiries.

Initial attempts to confirm that the parrot was Claude were unsuccessful and, as Mr Howard is housebound, arrangements were made to take the parrot to Headcorn on Wednesday so he could be identified. This meant that staff at Sittingbourne police station cared for Claude for two days.

Officers were delighted to finally return Claude to his home. Detr Con Paul Fewtrell said: "Claude is a much loved companion and the theft left Mr Howard distraught. I would like to thank all of those who helped us with this investigation and hope our actions reassure people that we take incidents of this nature seriously.

"This is a good example of how team-working and information from the community can help us make a positive difference.”

Mr Howard stressed: "The police have been excellent. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. On the day of the burglary, they were here within 10 minutes and they have kept in contact with me every day. I feel I have had an excellent service and I cannot thank the police enough.

"I was devastated when Claude was stolen but he is now fine and has been singing away since his return. It is great to have him back.”