A WINCHESTER photographer was in for a big surprise when he spotted a sparrowhawk eating its lunch in the city centre.

The photographer, who wished to remain anonymous, spotted the bird chowing down on Monday, February 12 while walking on Jewry Street.

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The sparrowhawk was eating a pigeon it had caught, with the photographer managing to snap a picture.

He said: “When I first saw it, it was on top of the pigeon which was hidden and it looked wounded so went to pick it up. It had no intention of leaving its lunch so I retreated to take photos.

“I was extremely surprised to find this magnificent raptor munching lunch in Jewry Street of all places oblivious to passers-by.”