Arrest over missing peregrine falcons and eggs

Dorset Police released pictures of birds that look similar to those missing

A 34-year-old man has been arrested after three falcons and their eggs were found missing after a break-in.

Two peregrine falcons and a peregrine lanner falcon hybrid, along with several peregrine eggs, were found to have been stolen or escaped from aviaries near Shaftesbury.

The force said officers who gathered evidence at the rural property after the break-in, which occurred between 22:00 on 13 April and 07:00 BST on 14 April, suggested the birds had "suffered terribly".

The man from Shaftesbury, arrested on suspicion of burglary and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, has been released on police bail as officers continue their investigation.

At least three peregrine eggs, similar to the one shown, were reported as stolen from the artificial nest at the aviaries near Shaftesbury

WARNING: This story contains details some may find distressing

Dorset Police said officers were working to find the remaining birds and their eggs so they could get the medical attention they needed to prevent further suffering.

PC Sebastian Haggett, of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said: "Evidence gathered at the scene of this incident suggests that these birds have suffered terribly, with one of them having their primary feathers removed causing injury, while another bird died after its head and legs were removed."

The force added the bird's owners were "heartbroken" by what had happened.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the force.