Friday, July 6, 2001

BY ALASTAIR TAYLOR

TERRIFIED jogger Simon Harvey was left looking like a car crash victim after a savage mauling by a BUZZARD.

Simon, 27, had blood pouring from 15 wounds after the massive bird - which has a 4ft wingspan - attacked three times.

He was on an early morning run in the Lake District when the buzzard SMASHED into the back of his head without warning, leaving him reeling.

(continued below)

As he tried to flee, the bird DIVED again with talons outstretched. Finally, it swept out of a tree and GOUGED Simon with its beak and claws.

You old buzzard ... bird of prey like the one which attacked Simon

The office worker, of Windermere, Cumbria, said: "I felt a full-fisted blow on my head from nowhere. I got a big shock when I realised it was a huge bird attacking. Blood was everywhere."

Minutes later workman James Kelly, 19, spotted Simon and called an ambulance. He admitted: "I thought he'd been hit by a car."

Doctors at a Kendal hospital told Simon each blow had a force of 10lb - as buzzards can fly at 80mph.

The RSPB believe the bird - which lives on carrion and small mammals - had escaped a falconry and was running through its display. Simon said: "I'll adapt my jogging route for a bit."

© News Group Newspapers Ltd

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