Peregrine falcons are protected by law

Chicks were rescued from a nest near Ashburton to stop them starving.

The RSPB says their parents would not have willingly left them and believes they have been killed, although their bodies have yet to be found.

Police said a pigeon smeared with what was thought to be a highly toxic substance was found close to the nest.

'Deliberate method'

One of the two rescued chicks died not long after being rescued.

The remaining chick is in the care of an experienced falconer. Eventually it could be released back into the wild.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they had grave concerns for the missing birds, especially following the discovery two days earlier of a dead peregrine on top of a pigeon at Buckfastleigh.

There have been cases of falcons being deliberately poisoned in Devon in recent years, possibly by rogue pigeon fanciers, as the birds are often the prey of peregrines.

RSPB Investigations Officer Chris Townend said: "We believe it is a deliberate method being used by pigeon fanciers to target peregrine falcons.

"The pigeon's wings are clipped and a very toxic substance is applied to the neck of the bird in a grease-like substance, so it remains on the bird.

"In effect, it becomes walking poison bait."

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs said it was treating the case very seriously.

But pigeon fanciers said the RSPB could be wrong in blaming them for what happened.

Legal protection

Terry Luscombe said: "I feel that they're blaming the pigeon fanciers right away because they're trying to bad name us."

He added that he felt the RSPB was not carrying out its duties in protecting all birds.

He said: "The RSPB is protecting predators more than song birds at the moment."

The falcon, which can fly at speeds up to 112mph, is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Anyone found guilty of harming the bird faces up to six months in prison and a fine of up to �5,000.