A BURNLEY falconer has slammed a callous burglar who ripped the body of a barn owl from its legs before throwing it to a bird of prey.

Mark Dickson returned from doing his Christmas shopping to find someone had broken into his Wycoller Avenue home and stolen the keys to his aviary.

The killer then ripped a poorly barn owl from its perch before throwing it to a European Eagle owl.

Mr Dickson, 20, who looks after sick birds, said he had only taken care of the eight-month- old barn owl days earlier and the animal was only well enough to go outside that day.

He said: "The bird was tied to the perch and they grabbed hold of its body ripping it from its legs.

"It was just disgusting, I just don't know how someone can be so callous and cruel. They went for the smallest and weakest bird.

"It was totally vindictive because there was nothing stolen from the house."

Mr Dickson took up falconry about four years ago and has this year nursed back to health six birds of prey.

As well as the European Eagle owl he also looks after two Harris hawks.

Mr Dickson is now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to help him trace the culprit.

The break-in happened at the back of the house between 5pm and 9pm on Friday.

He added: "There will have been people around at that time. If anybody knows or saw anything I would ask them to call the police."

Anyone with information should contact Burnley police on 01282 425001.