An exceptionally old goshawk has been killed with a shotgun in the Forest of Dean.
A sparrowhawk was also found dead alongside.
The two birds of prey being 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."
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Enquiries are ongoing and investigating officers are asking anyone with information on the incident to please get in contact.
Information can be submitted by completing the following form online and quoting incident number 130 of April 25: gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
Alternatively, you can call 101 and quote the same incident number or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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