Police save stricken buzzard after it falls prey to seagulls

Police patrolling the Thames staged an unusual rescue after spotting a buzzard being dive-bombed by seagulls.

Officers from the Met's Marine Unit saw the bird in distress near Westminster Bridge.

The buzzard, the largest bird of prey to be found in Britain and rarely seen in London, had strayed from its usual countryside habitat.

But the rescue attempt nearly ended in disaster when the buzzard escaped from the grasp of two officers and dived back into the water, disappearing under the police launch towards the propellers.

Luckily Pcs Steve Trusler and Nigel Murray managed to grab the bird at the second attempt and take it on board.

The buzzard was wrapped in a blanket and taken to Putney animal hospital, where he was named Eric.
He was released by the RSPCA on Sunday.

Met marine inspector David Cottrell said: "We have rescued the occasional dog, swan and even a snake, but a bird of prey is a first for us."