A DEAD kite which was shot dead has been found a public footpath in Wiltshire.
Wiltshire Rural Crime Team posted on Facebook appealing for information, after the bird was found close to Hens Wood, Axford, on April 20.
This followed a report from a member of the public.
Further forensic work into the cause of death has found that the bird had been shot.
Officers are appealing for any information around the shooting of the Red kite or any person who may have been in the area on Saturday, April 16, who saw anything suspicious to contact the Wiltshire Rural crime team via 101 - quoting the crime report 54220038890.
The birds of prey are unmistakable with their reddish-brown body, angled wings and deeply forked tail.
The birds are considered particularly special because they were almost lost in the UK in the early 1900s.
Their protection is particularly important to the RSPB, which has worked hard to ensure local support for the reintroduction projects.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here