A CANARY breeder has hit out at Thames Valley Police for “mocking” him on social media after 24 of his prize-winning birds were stolen yesterday.

John Mulcahy, of Kingsbridge Road, woke up to feed his birds, who have in the past won medals, plaques and trophies, but found the padlock to their aviary had been cut with more than half the birds gone.

The 74 -year-old believes the attack, which has now left him with just 20 canaries, took place between 8pm yesterday and 10.30am this morning.

Mr Mulcahy said: “I'm devastated but I think word got around that I breed them and I just think perhaps someone had my address or something.

“They're only worth about £15 but to me it's more the sentimental value that goes with them.”

But despite an appeal for witnesses from Thames Valley Police, officers took to social media to Tweet the incident, adding the hashtag 'canarybodyhelpus' adding insult to injury to the breeder of 40 years.

He added: “I don't like that they've done that. I don't breed the canaries for money, I do it because it's my hobby and I really enjoy it.

“I would have thought the police have a job to do instead of doing things like that.”

A Thames Valley Police spokeman said: “We're going to speak to the gentleman involved and if he's not happy we will take the Tweet down.”