Stolen Wimbledon Hawk Rufus Returned

The hawk that patrols Wimbledon's tennis courts to frighten away pigeons has been found after he was stolen last week.

Rufus, a Harrier Hawk, was taken overnight on Thursday and Friday from a car parked outside the home of his owner.

But his official Twitter account tweeted good news on Sunday night: "We can confirm the news is true RUFUS HAS BEEN FOUND safe and well & reunited with family!!

"Thank you so much for your support.

"We are so overwhelmed by all your support, #findrufus has worked, Rufus is healthy & well... we are SO excited/happy/relieved."

He was handed into the RSPCA Animal Hospital in Putney in south-west London.

Owner Imogen Davis, 25, said: "We have Rufus back, safe and well.

"We are ecstatic and so, so overwhelmed with all the lovely messages and help we have received."

A Met Police spokeswoman confirmed Rufus was handed into Putney Hospital.

She said the hawk has a slightly sore leg and will have a few days rest before he starts working again.

The four-year-old hawk, who deters pigeons at the All England Club simply through his presence, is a family pet, and his owners were very distressed over his disappearance.

Rufus has become a well-known fixture at the south-west London club, with visitors often stopping to ask for photos with the hawk and even tennis stars, including former champion Richard Krajicek, tweeting pictures of him.