THE apparent shooting dead of a heron is under investigation by police.

The bird was killed at around 8.15pm on Saturday at Causeway Pond, Cricket Green, Hartley Wintney, with police believing n airgun or BB gun was used to kill the bird.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird.

Police are keen to trace a dark grey, C-reg Ford Focus that was seen in the area at the time.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious around this time, or has any dash cam footage that may assist, should call police on 101, quoting the reference 44180265687.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.