Police are on the hunt for culprits after two birds of prey were found injured in Oakley Wood, near Crowmarsh Gifford.

On Tuesday, March 29 an injured Red Kite was found in the area, followed by another on Tuesday, April 5. X-Rays showed that both had been hit by shotgun pellets.

The birds are now recovering at Tiggywinkles in Aylesbury but police enquiries have also revealed that a dead Red Kite had been found in Oakley Wood on Tuesday, March 22. The cause of death is uncertain.

The Red Kite is afforded the highest degree of legal protection under the Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

It is an offence to take, injure or kill a Red Kite or to take, damage or destroy its nest, eggs or young.

It is also an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb the birds close to their nest during the breeding season. Violation of the law can attract fines up to £5,000 per offence and/or a prison sentence of up to six months.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers would like to hear from anyone with information about the shooting of Red Kites in Oakley Wood.

PC Robert Searle, Wildlife Officer, said: “Fortunately incidents of this nature are very rare in the Thames Valley and a thorough investigation is underway.

“The two birds were lucky to survive and I would like to thank Tiggywinkles for caring for the birds so well."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote the URN ‘372 06/04/16’.