A FELL runner who was dive-bombed by a buzzard near Sedbergh is warning others to be "on the alert for a possible avian attack".

Charity fundraiser Jeremy Prall said he was "repeatedly swooped on" by the bird of prey, which scraped his scalp with its talons while he was running beside the River Clough, near the hamlet of Hallbank, last weekend.

"I was aware I was being shadowed, dive-bombed really by this large bird which I realised was a buzzard, and that was a bit unnerving," said Jeremy, who lives in Sedbergh and works for the charity Mary's Meals.

"It did this several times and on the third time it made contact with the top of my head. Its talons scraped my scalp. I couldn't quite believe it. It didn't draw blood but it still made a very definite contact."

The RSPB told the Gazette it was "incredibly rare" for buzzards to attack humans. Often mistaken for eagles, they are the UK's most common bird of prey.

In July 2009, the BBC reported that two holidaymakers in Cornwall had been attacked by buzzards.

Jeremy took to Twitter for the first time to share the news of his close encounter. He said he "didn't really mind" as he believed the buzzard had simply been "doing its job, protecting its young". However, he would still like to warn other runners and walkers of the potential risk.

"I ran on, a little shaken, but with increased respect for these magnificent birds," he said. "I've always liked birds of prey. They are just so magnificent to watch and they've got extraordinary eyesight and range. Buzzards have been on the increase in recent years and it's good to see them back."