One of two buzzards found dead on a London Colney plain had definitely been shot with an air rifle.

A member of the public alerted the police after finding the birds on a field near Beningfield Drive on Saturday.

After examination by a vet, it was found that one of the birds had been shot. It has not been established how the other one died.

PC Simon Tibbett said: “All British wild birds, their nests and their eggs are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

“Therefore it is an offence to shoot these animals or interfere with their nests in any way.

“We take wildlife crime very seriously in Hertfordshire, and we are very keen to trace the offenders who have committed this criminal act.”

RSPB Investigations Liaison Officer Jenny Shelton said: “I think we speak for most people when we say we are angry and saddened to hear of these two birds being found dead, one of which has clearly been shot.

“April and May is an important time for buzzards. It’s when they start pairing up and laying eggs. Buzzards mate for life, and males perform a ‘roller coaster’ flight to impress their partners – a spectacular sight if you’re lucky enough to see it.

“If you know anything about this incident, please contact the police on 101, or the RSPB.”