“WHERE’S Murphy?” is the cry that has gone out in Bishampton this week after a village family’s beloved African grey parrot went missing.

The 18-month old parrot escaped from a house in Broad Lane last Wednesday. It has been described as grey, with a bright red tail and a purple band on its right leg.

The bird belonged to Paul McCabe who, together with his wife Kate, bought it with the intention of allowing it to grow up with their 20-month-old daughter Ella-Rose, and all three are holding out for its safe return.

Paul said: “We think it will be quite a shock for him as he is not used to being outside. They are companion animals and not normally the type that want to escape.

“We think it’s possible he could seek out other people, for food or companionship. They have the intelligence of a toddler.

They interact with you and are so different from any other pet you could have.

“They develop their own personality over the years.

“It’s been horrible since Murphy has been gone, it’s like we have lost a family member. We got him to grow up with our daughter Ella-Rose, as they can live to about 60 or 70 years old.

“We had some sightings from people around the village after he went missing last Wednesday, but we also got a phone call from someone at Hipton Hill on Thursday, and that was the last we heard of him.

“We just hope a kind-hearted person will find him and give us a call. It would be a miracle.”

􀁥 Anyone who has seen Murphy should call Mr McCabe on 07852 564645.