The gutted owners of a missing owl in Ashford are asking people to look out for him.

Merlin is a ten year-old European Eagle Owl who has been missing from St Stephens Walk since last Saturday.

The beloved bird was out in the garden with his owners, Brian Jacobs and Pamela Hall, before he became spooked and flew off.

Ms Hall said: "We were out in the garden with Merlin, who had two jesses (leather straps) on his legs, but he chewed through one of them.

"As my partner was taking him back indoors, he got spooked by something and managed to fly off."

Her partner Brian has hand-reared Merlin since he hatched.

She continued: "My partner used to work with birds and he fell in love with them, so we got Merlin.

"They're quite lazy birds really, they only fly if the need to eat. He is not used to flying free and being out on his own.

"We tried teaching Merlin how to catch food when he was younger but he never really learnt how to do it.

"We are gutted. Usually he comes back but its been nearly a week now.

"At night-time he used to make noises so the house is so quiet without him. My partner's been going after work to go and look for him."

Already, several people have been in contact with Ms Hall to say that they have seen Merlin, with reports from Kingsnorth Road, Tennyson Road and Hampden Road.

Ms Hall added: "Please, if you see Merlin, don't approach him as he can get spooked.

"He also doesn't eat bird food, he eats meat such as mice, chicks and rats.

"Merlin also has a leather strap hanging from one of his legs."

If you have spotted Merlin, please call 07977 483016.