21-05-2025
Hawk attack leaves pensioner in hospital
A pensioner was left with blood streaming down his face after becoming the latest victim of a hawk's reign of terror over villagers.
In its latest attack, the bird of prey dive-bombed Jim Hewitt, 75, with its claws going through his cloth cap.
The Harris's Hawk is thought to have attacked more than 50 residents – predominantly tall men – in the village of Flamstead, Hertfordshire. Some villagers are now calling for the hawk to be stopped by any means necessary.
Speaking about the attack, Mr Hewitt told the BBC: 'There was so much blood, as I am on double blood thinners. It was a shock at first, and then I realised what had happened.
'God forbid it happens to a child. It could scar for life and could easily take a child's eye out.'
He said he now believes the bird should be put down 'without a doubt, as it is getting serious'.
Neighbour Lizzy Atkinson, who said Mr Hewitt looked like the victim of a 'knife attack', patched him up with a bandage before he went to see his GP and was sent to hospital.
She said the situation was getting 'very dangerous now', adding: 'A gentleman came into the pub last week and said he had been attacked five times.
'If this was a dog that had bitten and drawn blood this many times then it would not be in the village any more.'
The bird was first spotted in the area around two months ago. It now appears to now be going after women and children, having recently attacked an 11-year-old boy on his way home from the park.
Flamstead parish council said it was 'very aware of the severity of the situation', but had no authority to terminate the bird.
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