A RARE falcon has been shot dead at a nature reserve close to Maldon.

Essex Police are appealing for information following the killing of the bird in the Blue House Farm Nature Reserve, North Fambridge.

Police were called with reports that a Hobby bird had been shot at around 9.40pm on Saturday (15 August) . The bird later died from its injuries.

PC Jed Raven from the Rural Engagement Team said: "These birds are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

"They are part of the falcon family and this occurred on an Essex Wildlife Trust Estate where it was in a protected environment.

"If anyone saw anything they are asked to please call on 101 quoting crime reference 42/127418/20."

Marc Outten from Essex Wildlife Trust said: "We are extremely alarmed to hear of an incident of raptor persecution in Essex, on the Trust's Blue House Farm nature reserve. The hobby is a small falcon that migrates to the UK from sub-Saharan Africa every summer. It is given the highest protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act as there are fewer than 2,000 breeding pairs in the UK.

"The Trust is working with Essex Police in their investigations to ensure these birds of prey are given the utmost protection."