A man is appealing for help tracking down his bird of prey which has flown the roost.

Rhia the Harris Hawk ruffled the feathers of her owner Malcolm Hadden, 49, when she made a successful bid for freedom in Paddock Wood on Sunday, October 2.

With a wingspan of just under a metre, the three-year-old hunting bird has been repeatedly spotted on the prowl around the town.

Rhia has black and brown plumage, rounded wing tips and long tail feathers ending in a white stripe. When she escaped she had a blue leash and bells attached to her ankles.

She was last seen at St Andrews Church in Maidstone Road on Wednesday evening.

While the predator has a taste of pigeons and rabbits, she poses no threat to domestic animals like cats and dogs.

Mr Hadden is urging anyone who sees her not approach or attempt to catch her but instead contact him.

The support worker said: "I spend a couple of hours with her every day. I probably spend more time with her than my wife, to be honest.

"I am just grateful people are taking notice and trying to help."

If you see the Harris Hawk, call Mr Hadden on 07960 744585.