Police investigate shooting of rare falcon

Police are investigating the shooting of a rare falcon near Ipplepen in Devon.

The Peregrine Falcon was found last month with an injury to its wing. Once examined vets found it had been shot with an air rifle pellet causing fractures to the wing.

Devon and Cornwall’s Police are appealing to anyone who may be able help to contact them with information that will assist in locating the offenders.

Officers believe there was a clear motive to destroy the bird.

The RSPB is offering a reward of £1000 for information leading to a conviction. >Police say the incident at Ipplepen follows a long history of persecution within the local area: 'Nowhere else in Devon do birds of prey suffer as they do in the Teignbridge areas'.