Police are appealing for witnesses to the theft of a Macaw – allegedly by an Uber driver – while it was being free-flown in Richmond Park.

The much loved Macaw, called Sura, was subsequently killed by a fox after it was secretly returned to a spot close to where it was taken at the Sheen Gate more than 24 hours later.

The police action comes three weeks after the parrot was stolen and follows the setting up a 'Justice for Sura' campaign by a group, which includes the owner.

The identity of the man who lured the parrot into his Uber car – a Toyota Prius – and driven across London to Essex is known. However, the police are keen to gather more evidence of exactly what happened from eye-witnesses.

The Royal Parks police said: "On 20/6/22 at around 8pm a Macaw was taken and put into a vehicle just outside Sheen Gate, Richmond Park.

"The Macaw was called Sura, and her owner is very distressed at losing her. We have spoken to a number of witnesses, but understand there may have been further persons in and around Sheen Gate who interacted with the driver of the vehicle in which Sura was taken.

"We are appealing for these people to come forward with any information they may have. Please email [email protected] quoting ref 0706397/22."

Sura was being flown with his female mate Kasko by the owner close to Richmond Park's Sheen Gate when he was stolen.

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 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 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."