Hawk attack leaves runner 'bloodied and bruised'

A runner said he was left "bloodied and bruised" after being attacked by a hawk that has been swooping at residents for several weeks.

David Robinson, 45, from Hemel Hempstead, said he was exercising in Flamstead, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday when he was attacked "out of the blue".

"It felt like a roof tile had hit my head, it was really hard, the hawk's claws were just digging in," he said.

Flamstead Parish Council said police were dealing with the matter and a falconer had been brought in to catch the bird.

Mr Robinson said he has been left with a bruise and a puncture wound "where talons have gone into my head".

The runner, who was looking down at his phone at the time of the attack, said he called 111 and was advised to get a tetanus jab.

"I've been left in shock, it was really painful, it really hurt," he said.

"I hope they catch it and keep it alive, it needs to be caught and go somewhere.

"I hope I see it again, but I will keep my eyes alert."

A number of people have reported being attacked in the local area, including Glyn Parry, 91, who said the bird had taken two woolly hats from his head.

A spokesperson for nearby Whipsnade Zoo confirmed the bird was not theirs, but said: "Birds of prey aren't actively hostile towards humans, but may attack if provoked or if they feel threatened if a person got too close."

Hertfordshire Police said it had a "low-level presence in the area to try and encourage locals not to feed the bird".

It said it was working with several partners to "try and bring this to a safe resolution".

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