Two buzzards have been shot dead in London Colney.

Police have launched an investigation after the two birds of prey were found in a field south of Beningfield Drive on Sunday.

The bodies were recovered and examined by a vet who concluded that they were shot by an air gun.

All wild British birds, their nests and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, therefore it is illegal to harm them or interfere with their nests.

Jenny Shelton, investigations liaison officer at the RSPB, said: “I think we speak for most people when we say we are angry and saddened to hear of these two birds being found dead.

“April and May is an important time for buzzards: it’s when they start pairing up and laying eggs. Buzzards mate for life, and males perform a ‘roller-coaster’ flight to impress their partners – a spectacular sight if you’re lucky enough to see it.

“Our UK population of buzzards dropped during the 20th century due to unlawful killing, and sadly persecution is still a problem even today.”

Anyone with information should call Hertfordshire Constabulary on 101.