Police dog handler becomes emergency falconer

PC Will Adams stepped in to take care of a hawk whose owner had fallen ill

A police officer trained to be a dog handler had to swoop in to take care of a hawk after its owner fell ill in a Leicester park.

Members of the public rang the emergency services at about 17:45 BST on Wednesday after a man was spotted lying unconscious in Aylestone Meadows with a hawk on a lead attached to him.

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) was joined by police firearms and dogs units due to fears the man was in cardiac arrest.

PC Will Adams, from the dogs unit, used his experience with animals to don a glove normally used as riot gear to take the hawk away, allowing the man to be treated by medics.

The man was not in cardiac arrest but EMAS were able to treat the man, a keen falconer often seen in the area with his pet, for a medical condition before taking him to hospital.

His wife arrived at the park shortly after, but as she was not experienced in handling the bird of prey, PC Adams walked her home with the bird on his arm.

Police said the man has since made a full recovery.

A spokesperson said: “Experienced dog handler PC Will Adams took charge using a glove to protect his arm. The hawk soon hopped on.

“This allowed EMAS to treat the patient. Well done to PC Adams and all involved.”