Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses after four young buzzards were shot dead in Great Hinton.

The fledgling birds were found by a dog walker on Friday, after they were thrown into a ditch by the crossroads in the village. They had all been shot by what appears to be a 22 air rifle.

Rural beat manager PC Emily Thomas said: “These birds are a protected species, so killing them is an offence under the wildlife and countryside act.

“These four weren’t far away from going on to breed, so this could affect the whole population in the area. They were about the size of seagulls, so probably a couple of weeks from leaving the nest.

“Someone thought they heard shots at about 7am, which sounded like an air rifle.

"We haven’t had anything like this before - it’s quite rare round here.

“We’re hoping to jog someone’s conscience, so if anyone knows or saw anything please contact me on 101.”