POLICE have launched an appeal for information after a wild kestrel was shot and had to be put down.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesperson said two witnesses heard a shot and saw the protected bird of prey fall to the ground around 4pm on Sunday, January 12, on the outskirts of Newent.

The bird, which is protected by the Countryside and Wildlife Act 1981, was taken to Vale Wildlife Rescue Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre near Tewkesbury after the incident happened at the junction of Strawberry Hill, Tewkesbury Road and Ford House Lane.

But it was so badly injured, it had to be euthanised.

Rural and Wildlife Crime Officer PC Cath McDay said: “Someone has broken the law in shooting this protected bird of prey, which sadly could not be saved.

“This is unacceptable behaviour and I’m asking for anyone with information to contact police.”

Information can be given by calling Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101 and referencing incident 196 of 13 January or by submitting it online at www.gloucestershire.police.uk

Alternatively, you can call the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds on 01767 680551 or fill in their online ‘report a crime’ form anonymously at www.rspb.org.uk