A DISTRESSED bird lover whose two parrots were stolen in a burglary has said whoever took them may have got more than they bargained for.

Brigitta Unwin, 52, of Brown Street West, Colne, described one of her two beloved parrots as "vicious" and "capable of biting to the bone".

The bird, a white-eye Conure known as Alfie-bird, was stolen alongside his companion, an orange-ringed Green Amazon, from Mrs Unwin's partner Graham Laycock's home in Ann Street, Brierfield, while the pair were on holiday.

The Green Amazon was particularly special to Mrs Unwin as she bought it with her husband David before he died eight years ago.

The two birds, together worth £600, were stolen alongside more than £600-worth of other property from Mr Laycock's home some time last weekend.

The pair returned from a camping trip to find the front door open and the birds and their cages missing, along with several other items.

Mrs Unwin said: "The door was open when we got back and at first we thought Graham's son had come to feed the birds, but then we realised what had happened.

"It's very upsetting. I have had the Green Amazon for nine years and I promised my late husband I wouldn't part with it.

"The Conure is a vicious bird and whoever stole it may have got more than they bargained for. He once bit me and it went right down to the bone.

"He's not as special to me as the other, but the two birds get on very well and they like to be with each other.

"I hope they are being looked after because they are not used to being kept in their cages for too long and we usually let them fly free when we are in the house.

"I would like to think that whoever had the birds would return them. They are worth far less than their real value without any of their papers.

"I am very attached to them both and I hope they are OK."