Police are on the hunt for three birds of prey and their eggs after they were snatched in a bizarre robbery.
Two peregrine falcons and a peregrine lanner falcon hybrid, often called a perilanner, are believed to have escaped or been taken after three aviaries were broken into.
According to police, one of the birds is believed to have significant injuries to its wing.
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And at least three peregrine eggs have been taken from an artificial nest, as reported by Need To Know.
Peregrine falcons are known for being the fastest birds in the world.
They can achieve top speeds of a hair-raising 240mph.
The robbery reportedly took place between 10pm on Sunday (13 Apr) and 7am on Monday (14 Apr).
The aviaries that were broken into were located on a rural property near Shaftesbury, North Dorset.
Officers for the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team attended the scene.
PC Sebastian Haggett stated: “Evidence at the scene suggests at least one bird is likely to have significant injuries to its wings, and we are working hard to get it home so that it can receive veterinary care.
“We are releasing pictures of birds that look similar and a peregrine egg for reference.
“I am asking if anyone has any information to get in contact with, quoting the reference number below, 55250052806.”
Members of the public have been left shocked by the incident.
Alex Brenton said: “Weird and unpleasant robbery.”
Kathleen Talbot added: “There are some sick individuals around at the moment.”
Freddi Colclough said, “What is wrong with people?”
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