Man United-hating parrot stolen

The blue-throated Amazon parrot called Chelsea was stolen

A blue-throated Amazon parrot called Chelsea, who screeches whenever anyone mentions Manchester United, has been stolen from his cage.

Chelsea was taken from a garden in North Street in Mears Ashby, Northamptonshire, early on Tuesday.

A car belonging to the parrot's owners was also broken into.

Police say Chelsea is able to tell people his name and delivers a high-pitched squawk if Manchester United are mentioned within earshot.

It is believed the thief removed the bird in a towel stolen from the washing line.

The parrot's owner Richard Threadgold said he thought the bird, which had cost him £600, may have been stolen to order.