Dozens of people have spotted an escaped hawk swooping around parts of Worthing during the last six weeks.

Firefighters at Worthing station in Ardsheal Road saw the bird resting in a tree in the grounds of Broadwater First and Middle School today. It has also been spotted in the Offington area.

The bird, said to be a red-tailed hawk, is likely to have escaped from a private owner because it has bells and leather straps attached to one of its leg.

Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service (Wadars) has been monitoring the hawk, waiting for an opportunity to catch it.

Wadars officer Billy Elliott thought the hawk might get tired from being mobbed by local seagulls and crows or from lack of food but it appeared to have settled well in the area.

Mr Elliott said: "The fact it has been around for six weeks shows it is catching and feeding on smaller birds. Until it gets weak or gets caught in a tree, we will not get near enough to catch it."

The hawk originates from North America and has also been spotted at farms in Sompting and at Hill Barn Golf Course.

Mr Elliot said: "The crows and gulls attack it because it is not a native bird and they get nervous, especially at this time of year when they are nesting.

"It is coming out more at night because during the day it does get mobbed, which means it is reasonably streetwise to have survived so well.

"People need to keep an eye open for him, if he does come down to the ground."

Worthing firefighter Shaun Jackaman said: "We have not approached the hawk. It's a large bird and the RSPCA have been called."

Mr Elliott said it was very unlikely the bird would attack people but stressed for people to be cautious if they found it injured or tired on the ground.

Anyone who comes across the bird can call Wadars on 01903 217788.