A WARNING has been issued to locals after a bird of prey began attacking - BALD joggers.

Residents have been told to be on the lookout while running on the country lane - especially if they are follicly challenged.

A buzzard is said to be swooping down on runners in Nailsea - leaving one man with a bloodied bald head.

Several people have reported being ambushed on Youngwood Lane - forcing some to change their exercise route.

The RSPB said that July and August is breeding season for birds of prey - meaning they could be more aggressive while protecting their young.

Paul James first warned others about the danger in a community Facebook group after being attacked.

He later said: "It was like someone had playfully thumped me over the head. I wasn’t injured and just carried on running."

He added that he has since changed his route.

Stuart Jelliss replied to Paul's post claiming he was left with cuts on his head after an attack.

He said: "I was nowhere near any trees or hence a nest. I just thought it thought I was food.

"I didn’t think it was deliberately aggressive."

And Paul Anderson added: "It's a buzzard. It's had a go at me three times in the field behind the patio centre. It wants my hat!

But others took the reports of attacks less seriously.

Derek Hodder said: "He does it to encourage them to run faster."

Annette Lemitt added: I have visions of a few of them having bets on runners."

The RSPB - an animal charity - said previously that birds of prey can be more on edge in the summer months as they are raising a family.

A spokesperson said: "In most cases a buzzard will be content to see a runner move away or ignore the nest as they follow their route.

"However, in very rare situations, the bird may feel so distressed and concerned that it acts more aggressively.

"These are incredibly unusual circumstances and attacks are extremely rare."

Buzzard are known to be common in Nailsea and the surrounding area.