Police are investigating after two young birds of prey – believed to be red kites or buzzards – were found dead by Kings Pond in Alton last Friday afternoon.

Alton Town Council town clerk Leah Coney said: “I immediately reported this to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and to the police as a wildlife crime.

“Having photographed the birds in situ, they were bagged and removed by the head of grounds and they have been frozen, pending collection for autopsy if DEFRA deems it necessary.

“Both had broken necks. They were positioned side by side and placed near the edge of the water.”