TWO owls who were separated when they were taken by thieves have been reunited.

The two European eagle owls were stolen from an aviary at about 6am on Wednesday.

But both birds, a male and a female, were back at their Sunderland home last night.

The male was found by its owner, Gordon Teasdale, in a tree near his home in Polmuir Road, Plains Farm, on Wednesday.

The female, who was just about to lay eggs, was seen in a holly bush in Barnes Park 800 metres away by a workman yesterday afternoon.

Mr Teasdale raced to the scene and followed it after it flew to a nearby roof.

He climbed on another roof, caught it with a net and took it home safely.

The seven-year-owls have been established as mates for five years.

The male had been pining for its partner and has calmed down since she came home.

Mr Teasdale, a joiner whose hobby is falconry, said: "I am over the moon. She seems to be fine and he perked up as soon as her saw her.

"He sort of went over and sat next to her. I am not yet able to tell whether she is still carrying eggs or whether she has laid them somewhere."

Wildlife officer PC Nick Pearson said the owls could have killed and eaten domestic pets if they had not been caught.

He said: "If someone had a small dogs like a Yorkshire terrier, or a cat, then it could easily have carried something like that away. It is a very quick and agile bird and their talons are so strong it would just crush animals like that. It is just as well it is back at home, because it would be very distressing for pet owners. It just shows these birds need a lot of looking after."

Anyone with information about the theft of the owls is asked to call 0191-454-7555 ext 66329.