A PROTECTED bird of prey has been caught and rescued after flying around Southend city centre for hours. 

Customers and staff were blown away this week after a surprised visitor, a Peregrine Falcon, came flying into The Ironworks.

The Falcon was attempting to feed on a High Street pigeon when it came flying into the community centre's front porch and wondered right into the centre.

The pigeon managed to escape as a result.

Fortunately, one of The Ironworks team had grown up with birds of prey as his dad was a falconer.

He managed to calmly capture the bird with a blanket and took it to a smaller more confined space while, co-founder of The Ironworks, Ami Solomons, made calls for advice.

It had been spotted earlier in The Victoria Shopping Centre – where it had been flying around for a number of hours – and there was a volunteer rescuer in the near vicinity ready to pick the beautiful bird up and take it to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital, in Grays.

Dennis Baldry, centre manager of The Victoria, said “To be honest it was becoming a bit of a concern as we couldn’t get it to leave.

“Luckily though it finally found its way out through a service door we left open in the hope that it would fly out.

“I am thrilled the outcome is as positive as it has been, and this wonderful bird has been rescued.”

Ami, co-founder of The Ironworks, added “We were honoured to receive such a prestigious guest at The Ironworks – he spent some time checking out our ‘what’s on board’ taking great interest into when Salvo the Clown was next at the centre.

“We were trying out our new pizza oven – kindly donated by ROSCA Trust – I think he fancied a peperoni slice.

"Thanks to Liam our team member for his quick thinking – aiding the safe rescue of this stunning bird.”

The Ironworks team followed up the rescue with the South Essex Wildlife Hospital to see the condition of the falcon.

A spokesman said: “The falcon is doing very well, un-injured and resting. 

“He is on the skinny side, so we are feeding him up ready for release. 

“We have been able to trace the protected juvenile bird to a nest in Stratford – he obviously likes shopping centres – Well done to all involved in the rescue.”