The carcasses of two birds of prey have been found beside a bus stop in Gloucestershire.

Police are investigating after a dead goshawk and a dead sparrowhawk were found close to Aylburton in the Forest of Dean.

The male goshawk was just shy of 17-years-old and X-rays show it had been killed with a shotgun.

The “truly special bird” had lived to an exceptional age “only for his life to be ended like this”, police said.

The cause of death is not yet known for the male sparrowhawk and post mortem tests will be carried out for both birds.

It is illegal to shoot the majority of wild birds. Goshawks and sparrowhawks are also protected species and it is an offence to harm them.

The carcasses were found just south of Aylburton near Lydney on the A48 on 25 April.

Officers have conducted a number of enquiries since then but are yet to find those involved.

Source: BBC