A BALD eagle with a six foot wing-span is on the loose in Dartford after making a great escape from a bird sanctuary.

The huge bird of prey was taking part in a display at the Eagle Heights Bird of Prey Centre in Dartford yesterday when it made a bid for freedom.

The bird - a 14-year-old known as Alaska - has been at the centre for more than 13 years and is described as 'friendly' by her owners.

According to the sanctuary, Alaska was hatched in 1993 at Assiniboyne Park Zoo, Winnipeg Canada, from wild disabled parents and was imported into the UK at six months of age.

She is the sanctuary's star attraction and has visited hundreds of schools in the south-east over the years.

Her owners say they are very worried about her and are desperate to get her back safely.

Police are urging members of the public to report any sightings. Alaska could be anywhere in the north-east London, Kent, Essex or even Suffolk areas.

A Met spokesman said: "We would advise the public not to approach her and instead to contact police or the Eagle Heights Bird of Prey Centre direct on 01322 866577 or 07712 866743."