AN “aggressive” and very hungry hawk is on the loose in Hullbridge.

Martin Bewers is devastated after his three-year-old red-tailed hawk, named Ash, flew off during one of his Hawk Experience days at his Hullbridge home.

The bird of prey is still missing and falconer Mr Bewers is desperate for him to return home safely, but at the same time is urging members of the public not to approach him for their own safety.

The 52-year-old, of Windermere Avenue, Hullbridge, said: “I picked him up and he literally just flew off. I had a message this morning saying he was in the vicinity but he’s still missing.

“It was at lunchtime Sunday. I picked him up and went to tether him to the glove and he pulled away and that was it.

“It was literally seconds. It was a thing that couldn’t be helped.”

Mr Bewers has said the Hawk is not trained properly so that is why he did not immediately return to his home. He added: “If people see him please can they call me and do not feed him. He can be fed raw meat but not processed meat as that has salt in it and salt will kill the birds.”

Any sightings can be reported to Martin on 07967776105.