Red kites are scavengers which eat already dead animals

Police in Hampshire have been investigating the death of a rare red kite after tests showed the bird had been poisoned.

The bird was found on the border of Winchester and Test Valley.

Hampshire Police's Country Watch officers have carried out searches of three properties in partnership with Natural England wildlife advisers.

As a result of the searches a significant quantity of non-approved pesticides were recovered, police said.

Country Watch Sgt Louise Hubble said: "The red kite is not common in this area and it is very unfortunate that this bird became a victim.

"It is illegal to lay poisoned bait. It is indiscriminate and poses a danger for humans and animals using the area.

"I would encourage anyone who has information about the use of poisoned bait or the storage of non-approved pesticides to report it to police."

No arrests have been made.

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