A highly-trained hawk, used to chase pigeons away from the Wimbledon tennis championships, was stolen from a car where it had been left overnight, police said on Saturday.

The Harrier hawk, named Rufus, was stolen together with its cage from a car parked near the All England Club in south-west London.

“The bird was in a car which was parked on a private drive with the rear window open for ventilation,” said a police spokesman.

“The working bird of prey deters pigeons purely by its presence.

“Rufus is also a family pet and the family has become very attached to the bird who is now four and a half years old.

“They are distressed over the theft and are appealing for help to recover the bird.”