The bird was last seen chasing a seagull near the Sussex coast

The female peregrine falcon has a wingspan of 30in (76cm) and was last seen chasing a seagull close to a nature reserve near Newhaven.

NBC Bird Solutions, which owns the bird, said a radio transmitter used to track the bird had fallen off.

It said the brown and cream-coloured speckled bird may fly near to anyone who wears high visibility clothing.

'Long distances'

Company spokesperson, Angela Bigwood, said the falcon was being used to stop seagulls nesting on the roof.

"Seagulls can be very aggressive when nesting," she said.

The bird of prey was tracked for an hour around the warehouse near Tide Mills nature reserve by a bird controller after its radio transmitter was found on the ground.

Leather flying equipment was being worn by the one-year-old bird as well as an identification ring around its leg.

Ms Bigwood added: "She can fly long distances and may go near water because she will need to drink."