JOGGERS enjoying the countryside near Kingswinford are urged to beware after a man was attacked by a buzzard while out for a run.

Martin Coley was left bleeding and bewildered after the bird of prey swooped in with not just one but two direct strikes to his head while he was jogging in Doctors Lane, off the A449, near Kingswinford.

The 53-year-old from Wordsley at first thought he'd been hit with a rock and only realised it was a buzzard after the second hit to the head when he saw the angry bird flying off towards a tree.

He told the News: "I was totally in shock. My head was bleeding and, fearing another attack, I armed myself with a branch and got away to the end of the road."

Following the frightening incident on Saturday, which left him needing a tetanus shot and antibiotics, Martin is now urging other countryside users to be vigilant along the route and beware of the over-protective birds.

He said: "I really want to make sure people are aware of the hazard if they happen to be running or cycling down this road at this time of year. l guess they are nesting in the trees along this road."

The business development manager, who had been nearing the end of a 10K run, said he usually jogs along the A449 and had decided to take a detour on that occasion - but he stressed: "I won't be running down there for a while - no chance."