A VALUABLE bird stolen in a break-in at a Bolton shop could die unless it is handled properly.

Staff at Petsmart in Manchester Road fear the African Gray parrot taken on Sunday night could be in the hands of someone who can't look after it.

Thieves broke into the store on Sunday and stole the bird in its cage after they took it from the wall with a bolt cutter.

The rare bird, around six months old and valued at more than £750, needs specialist care and attention and staff believe its health will start to suffer if it doesn't receive the right care.

Foods

Assistant manager Victoria Catterall, who was called to the scene on Sunday by police to identify any missing animals, wants the public to be on the lookout for the missing bird.

"It is vital it is handled correctly," she said. "It also needs special foods and treatment and if it doesn't get this it will almost certainly die."

The bird has a grey body with red striped legs which "look like it is wearing pyjamas".

More than £1,000 worth of damage was also caused to the store as the raiders damaged shutters. Police are investigating.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the store on Bolton 521749 or Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050.

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