A PEREGRINE falcon has been found shot on farmland near Stockbridge.

The injured bird was found by a member of the public on Saturday 11 March on a farm at King’s Somborne.

The bird was taken to the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Amport, where it underwent treatment for a fractured wing. The incident was reported to the RSPB.

It is believed the bird had been shot. The peregrine falcon, originally ringed at Salisbury Cathedral in June 2014 when it was three weeks old, is expected to make a full recovery.

A peregrine falcon is a Schedule 1 protected bird and killing or injuring it is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

PC Stephen Rogerson, Wildlife Crime Officer at Hampshire Constabulary, said: “This is a rare incident to take place in Hampshire.

“The bird may have either been shot at on purpose, or recklessly, due to its predatory nature on rural estates.

“The falcon was in fairly good condition when it was located. It was not malnourished and there were no signs of other injuries, which would suggest it had been shot in the local area fairly recently.

“We would like to hear from anybody in the King’s Somborne area that may have heard any unusual shooting activity on Friday 10 March or Saturday 11 March, or anyone who has any further information on this incident.”

Anyone with information can contact PC Rogerson on 101, quoting 44170105280.

Alternatively, people can call the Crimestoppers charity hotline on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.