Owls attacks on walkers close path

A footpath has been closed after dog walkers reported being attacked by a pair of eagle owls.

The birds are raising a brood of young nearby and seem to have become aggressive to anybody who gets too close to the nest site.

Lancashire county council closed the right of way after reports of the parent birds swooping at dog walkers using the moorland path near Dunsop Bridge.

Signs were originally erected warning people they might come under owl attack if they used the path. Then, after consultation with Duncan Thomas, the Lancashire police wildlife liaison officer, emergency powers were used to close the right of way.