'Problem' parakeets can be shot

People will be able to shoot parakeets from next year without a licence, a wildlife watchdog has ruled.

Around 44,000 parakeets are in the UK, with 90% living in London - but they can threaten smaller birds, crops and public safety, the watchdog says.

The move gives parakeets the same legal status as pigeons, crows and magpies.

A Natural England spokesman said: "They are still a protected species but there will be some circumstances where people can take measures to control them."

Originally from the Himalayas, the UK's population of red-beaked emerald green parakeets is growing at an estimated rate of 30% per year.

Theories as to how the exotic birds came to make their home here include the urban legend that they escaped from a container at Heathrow airport during filming of The African Queen in 1951.

Parakeets have increased in density around south-east England, especially Heathrow, Kew, Richmond, Middlesex and Surrey.

People wanting to kill the birds to control their numbers must currently apply for a "personal licence" from Natural England.