An Australian Cockatoo has been stolen during a break-in at a Stockton pet shop.

Officers are now appealing for information after the nine-year-old, called Rosie, was taken from Pet Mania.

A member of the public was walking past the Portrack Lane shop at 6.45pm on Sunday when he saw two or three men, described as in their mid-20s and one with a facial tattoo, holding the bird outside the store. 

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “It is not yet clear if anything else was stolen during the break-in but all other animals appear to be accounted for.”

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The Cockatoo has finally been reunited with its handlers at the Stockton pet store, according to reports yesterday.