Reward to catch falcon attackers

The RSPB said pigeon enthusiasts could be behind some attacks

Two peregrine falcon nests in the West Midlands and Staffordshire have been attacked in the past fortnight.

A male bird was found caught in a trap near Cannock, Staffordshire, two chicks were rescued and there is no sign of the mother, who is also feared dead.

Officers also found three spring-traps set around a nest at a quarry near Kingswinford, West Midlands, and discovered two eggs smashed.

The RSPB has put up a £1,000 cash reward to catch the people responsible.

A spokesperson for the RSPB said the rescued chicks were being looked after at a rescue centre.

'Sickening incidents'

The RSPB said it believed pigeon-racing enthusiasts could be behind some of the attacks.

Birds of prey are responsible for a small number of racing pigeon deaths, the charity said.

It is illegal to intentionally kill or harm all UK birds of prey, including peregrines, golden eagles, hen harriers and red kites, as is destroying their eggs and nests.

Peregrines also have additional protection, meaning it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb them when nesting.

Mark Thomas, RSPB investigations officer, said: "These are sickening incidents, with parents deliberately trapped and killed in their nests and their young left to starve.

"The fear now is that those responsible may be planning to target more nests in the area."

The RSPB and police have urged people with information to contact them.

Ch Insp Steve Anderson of West Midlands Police said: "This appears to be a targeted attack against one of Britain's most heavily-protected birds."