WILDLIFE police have confirmed they are investigating a terrifying hawk attack on a dog.

As reported on Monday, Deighton pensioner Margaret McKever, 74, battled with a bird-of-prey that swooped down on her Chihuahua named Riso in her garden.

Mrs McKever wrestled the bird off the tiny dog but it then followed it into her front room and continued the attack, pinning him down and pecking him several times.

The arthritic widow again came to Riso’s aid and eventually scared the bird away.

The police were called in because the bird had a collar with a bell on it, indicating it was being kept locally.

They initially said animal attacks on other animals were not a police matter and told Mrs McKever to call the RSPCA and RSPB, but they have now confirmed they are investigating.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said Kirklees Police Wildlife Crime Officer had been to visit Mrs McKever and had been making some local inquiries.

He said: “We believe it is likely that the bird that attacked Mrs McKever’s dog had mistaken it for a rabbit and any police investigation will now centre around whether a bird of prey was being used to hunt on private land, as this is an offence.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Bryan Butterworth by ringing the non-emergency number 101.