It was seen in Grosmont on Friday morning by a man out for a walk who saw the bird being attacked by crows.

Martin Heagney (38) from Staithes said he was opposite a farm when he saw it.

He said: “It was being mobbed by crows. It is big when you see it close up and it flew off into a copse nearby where it must be staying.

“Apparently because it is lambing season it has been feeding on the afterbirth in the fields.”

The bird turned up at Alder Farm, Grosmont, again on Sunday where it was feeding on a dead lamb.

Wilf Norman managed to get another picture, right, of the large bird as it was feasting.

He said he still believes it to be an African white-backed vulture but he cannot be sure.

He said: “The wing coverts which are extremely pale – almost whitish in some lights – look wrong.

“Nonetheless, I cannot find any other species to correspond to the bird.”

l If you spot the vulture call Carl Gavaghan on (01947) 829907 or email him at: carl.gavaghan@yrnltd.co.uk