*GRAPHIC WARNING- THIS POST SHOWS IMAGES OF A DEAD BIRD*

Officers are appealing for information after two birds of prey were found dead in the Forest of Dean.

A Goshawk and Sparrowhawk were found next to a bus stop just south of Aylburton near Lydney on the A48 by a member of the public on Monday, April 25.

The male Goshawk was just under 17-years-old and X-rays show that the bird had been shot with a shotgun.

The cause of death has not yet been established for the male Sparrowhawk however post mortems will take place for both birds.

PC Cath McDay said: "This is an awful crime under the Countryside and Wildlife Act 1981, to truly special birds.

"The Goshawk had managed to live to an exceptional age only for his life to be ended like this."

Enquiries are ongoing and investigating officers are asking anyone with information on the incident to please get in contact.

Information can be submitted by calling 101 or completing the online form and quoting incident number 130 of April 25.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.