A campaign has been set up to demand police action against the Uber driver who stole a much-loved macaw while it was being free-flown by its owner in Richmond Park.

It has emerged that the driver subsequently dumped the bird more than 24 hours later on the side of the road - close to where it was snatched - where it was attacked and killed by a fox.

The distraught owner and his supporters feel let down by the police, who initially failed to trace and speak to the Uber driver despite being given the details of his car and the registration number.

The macaw – called Sura – was being flown with his female mate Kasko by the owner close to Richmond Park's Sheen Gate at around 8.50pm last Monday.

Following a social media campaign, someone claiming to be the Uber driver's daughter came forward to admit the theft.

She claimed - in a bizarre defence - that Sura had flown into the car, a Toyota Prius, and that her father had been unable to get him out.

This has been rejected point blank by eye-witnesses who filmed the distressed parrot jammed in the dashboard at the front the car.

At the time, the driver gave the impression to passers-by that he owned the bird, which would be worth several hundred pounds, while he even made efforts to lure the second parrot out of tree that was nearby.

It is understood that the Uber driver drove across London through to Dagenham in Essex with the parrot in the car.

After being kept at the property for more than 24 hours, it appears he came under pressure from his family to return it. However, rather than taking it to a vet or seeking professional help, he took it back to the location of the theft and secretly released it at the dead of night.

This involved driving the parrot back across London in the boot of the car. A video has emerged of the distressed parrot in the boot and then being dumped on the kerb at around midnight.

It is understood that Sura was so disorientated, weak and hungry that he became an easy target for the foxes which live and roam around Sheen Gate and nearby Fife Road.

A large collection of tail and other feathers was found in the area on Sunday morning, so confirming the worst fears of the distraught owner.

A campaign group has been set up by the owner under the banner 'Justice for Sura' with the aim of gathering evidence and calling on the police to bring a prosecution.

They have created a video outlining the details of the case and an email address [email protected] for witnesses and supporters to get in touch.

One person involved in the campaign told Nub News that the police showed little interest or urgency when first contacted early last week. They said the officers demanded proof of the theft and even cited data protection rules for failing to immediately track down the driver.

She said: "One of the most frustrating things has been the attitude of the police.

"We feel massively let down because they did not take it seriously when we called them. They literally wanted me to tell them where Sura was before they would do anything.

"It took them almost three days to establish the parrot was a pet and not wild.

"We have a large free flying community who bring their birds to the park. The birds are loved by so many people. It is just tragic."

She said, initially, Richmond Park police were involved, but because the theft was just outside the gates the case was transferred to police covering Kew Gardens.

"We gave them registration of the car on Tuesday evening. They said because it was an Uber driver it was complicated because of GDPR – data protection.

"We are hoping that collectively we can put pressure on the police to follow through with this investigation."

Sura and Kasko were well known to visitors to Richmond Park and many have expressed their sorrow and anger about the theft and death of the macaw.

A number have demanded police action. One supporter of the campaign said: "I am heartbroken for you poor Sura. Why dump the bird on the pavement at night? The police need to do something, it's disgusting."

Another said: "So so sad to hear what happened to Sura. It's criminal. I hope these people are found and prosecuted."

A Met Police spokesman said: "Police are aware of a theft of animal on Fife Road, Richmond, which occurred 20.50 hrs Monday 20th June. An investigation is being progressed by Richmond Parks Police.

"There have been no arrests at this time. Enquires are currently ongoing."