Appeal after raven shot in Colchester
It happened on Monday
Police are appealing for information, after a raven was shot dead in West Bergholt.
It was reported the bird was shot in Nayland Road on Monday (1 June) and later died.
Shooting wild birds without lawful reason is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Officers want to hear from anyone who was in the area on 1 June, or the night before, and may have seen anything suspicious or has doorbell, CCTV or dashcam footage which could help our enquiries.
PC Jed Raven said: “This was a distressing incident and we are carrying out enquiries to establish exactly what happened.
“Intentionally harming defenceless wildlife and birds is not just illegal, it is cruel and can lead to the animal suffering before death.
“If you were in the area and saw anything, or have any footage which may help, please get in touch with us.”
Please contact us quoting investigation 42/85306/26.
You can contact police by submitting a report on their website or by using their online Live Chat service, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Visit the website to find out more about our online reporting services.
Alternatively, you can call 101.
If you would prefer to report anonymously, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting its website or by calling 0800 555 111.
Police said: "Tell us what you know
"What you know could be the missing puzzle piece we’re looking for.
"We know that information held by our communities can help us to keep people safe and catch criminals.
"We also know that our communities need to trust that we will listen to them and take action when we need to.
"Our Police Intelligence page explains what happens when you tell us something you've seen or heard. It explains what to expect and what we need to know when you give us information.
"If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right or causes you concern, we want you to tell us about it"