BIRDSPOTTERS in West Somerset could be in for shock - in the shape of an escaped bald-headed vulture which was last seen at Dunster Marsh.

The turkey-sized, brown bird of prey escaped from the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park some three to four months ago and to date is finding the Somerset countryside to its liking.

The bird still has jesses - leather straps used in falconry - attached to its legs but from eye witness reports it seems to be in good condition and feeding well.

Staff at the Exmoor Falconry and Animal Farm centre, in Allerford, were called out by police to positively identify the bird, but attempts to catch it failed.

Minehead police are appealing to the public to keep them posted on the bird's whereabouts as Exmoor Falconry staff are hoping to try trapping it again in a bid to return the vulture to its rightful owners.

A spokesman for Minehead police said members of the public should not be alarmed if they see the bird as it is completely harmless and will not attack them. It does not kill to eat, preferring instead to scavenge for carrion.

However, there are concerns that food sources could become more scarce as the autumn approaches and the bird may look to humans again to give it food.

Anyone who spots the vulture should contact Minehead police on 01823 363566.