Peregrine falcons and eggs missing after break-in

Three falcons and a number of eggs are believed to have been stolen during a burglary.

Dorset Police said three aviaries were broken into at a property near Shaftesbury between 22:00 BST on 13 April and 07:00 BST on 14 April.

The force said two peregrine falcons and a peregrine lanner falcon hybrid, along with three peregrine eggs, had been taken from an artificial nest, or had escaped following a forced entry.

PC Sebastian Haggett said evidence suggested that at least one bird was "likely to have significant injuries to its wings".

"We are working hard to get it home so that it can receive veterinary care," he added.

The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on the planet and also the most widely distributed bird of prey.

Recent decades have seen the trend of the bird settling, nesting and flourishing alongside man-made environments around the globe.

The force released pictures of birds that look similar and a peregrine egg for reference.

PC Haggett appealed to anyone with information to get in touch.

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