Search for vulture on the loose

The vulture could be up on a warm air thermal

One of the largest birds in the world is on the loose after going missing from a birds of prey centre.

The vulture, which has a wingspan of more than 3m (9.8ft), took off during a show at the centre near Biggleswade, in Bedfordshire, on Wednesday.

People have been urged to report any possible sightings but not to approach the bird.

Handler Phil Gooden said the bird may be close by or could have gone further afield on a warm air thermal.

'Incredible bite'

Mr Gooden said: "Somebody or something spooked her and she took off and we have been trying to track her down since.

"In Africa, they get on a warm air thermal, so she could be up at 1,000ft or 10,000ft and she could range out many miles or she could be very close by indeed.

"She's not really dangerous since she feeds on anything that's dead, but what worries us is that somebody spots her and tries to catch her for us - she does have an incredible bite and she can cut through muscle and tissue."

He urged anyone who spots the bird to contact the centre.

"I would imagine she would be in a tree, but she could be anywhere - on a building - she is a very large bird."