A hawk which protects heathrow airport from birds has been stolen in a gang raid on a van.
Six-year-old Milo was snatched when the group broke into a van near where he was being kept near Heathrow.
According to the Sun, the passenger window was smashed and the gang unlocked the vehicle before taking out the hawk using a falconry glove.
The theft occurred at 5.50pm on Tuesday from the Mercure hotel near the airport.
The owner, Layla Bennett, 34 is offering a £1,000 reward for his safe return.
She said: "One of them tried to get him out by using the falconry glove I had in the back, but he wouldn’t come with them at first.
"He eventually did when they grabbed him forcefully, he was flapping and very distressed.
"Then they threw him into the car and drove off with him out of his box."
Ms Bennett says she fears the hawk will only survive for a few days without the proper care.
Last night the Met Police said the incident was being investigated.
A spokesman said: “No arrests have been made. Inquiries continue.”
