Shopkeeper Alan Pockney could not believe his eyes when a huge bird of prey swooped into his store through the open front door and made itself at home.

It settled in the corner of the shop while owner Mr Pockney and a shopper stood frozen to the spot.

Mr Pockney, who owns The Gift Shop in Longridge Avenue, Saltdean said: "I don't know who was more stressed, the bird or me.

"I was talking to some customers at the counter when it flew through the door.

"We have a rock stand and it swerved around that and flew straight into the bottom right hand corner. It looked like an eagle, it was huge."

He called a number of animal rescue charities until the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Service (WRAS) offered to lend a helping hand and collect the bird on Sunday morning.

Rescue officer Lindy King identified the bird as a South American Harris hawk and was able to reunite it with its owner, Cathy Thacker from Telscombe Cliffs.

Mrs Thacker, who keeps owls, falcons and buzzards as a hobby, had been scouring the coastal area for three days.

Mrs Thacker said the Harris hawk was about two years old and known as Shadow.

She said: "He disappeared on Friday afternoon from the aviary. I was horrified. I could see him roof-hopping and he was being attacked by crows and seagulls."