Looks like a Sparrowhawk.

Agree,looks like a sparrowhawk to me too

Hi I would say sparrow hawk lovely looking bird scary looking eyes though!

thank you all. a beautiful bird, in all my 22 years i have never seen one at all, i'm going to keep on the lookout now!

One thing's for sure, IT is on the lookout for the small birds that are in the garden - i know it's nature etc but i don't like small birds being nabbed on my watch ;-)

It is actually a 'local' in your area, Catty, but not seen as regularly as many other birds. It is common throughout the British Isles and I love to see its high-speed chase through our garden.

We have a female that hunts through our garden too. She is stunning.
a beautiful photo Catty.

I also live on Essex, Catty, and we see these(Sparrowhawks) quite regularly in and around our garden! f they are regularly coming to your garden, chances are you'll soon notice a Pigeon or Collared Dove carcass with te feathers spread all around! they very often prey on these and then sit on the lawn and pluck them!!!!

i have been reading up and yes they are local, i always look out my window at the back to watch all the birds, living upstairs has is advantages with being eye level with the trees! i will keep on the look out for others! we have plenty of pigeons and doves round here and sparrows too. i have seen herons (might of been a stork not sure) woodpeckers and owls but never a sparrowhawk. thank you all again.

Yes, a Sparrowhawk.....when I was in the garden the other day, I heard the sharp cry of a bird and was amazed to see it chasing a Sparrowhawk!

A sparrowhawk caught and devoured a pigeon in my garden last year. it stayed on my lawn a full 40 minutes and ate the whole thing

Video ( warning it is a bit grizzly )

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31559373@N00/7895687558/