Police investigating falcon shooting

An investigation has been launched after a peregrine falcon was found injured in County Tyrone.

The bird of prey was found with a leg injury in the garden of a property in Station Road, Strabane, on Friday evening.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the injury was consistent with a bullet wound, which would require specialist treatment.

Birds of prey in Northern Ireland are protected by legislation, and it is against the law to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take any wild bird.

The PSNI said it took "all wildlife crime very seriously – and we're grateful to this member of the public for raising the alarm".

"We are appealing to anyone who has information about what may have happened to this protected bird".

Peregrines are the fastest animals on Earth and can reach speeds of more than 200mph (322km/hr) when they dive on prey.

It is the UK's biggest falcon and the RSPB says the peregrine population was at a low point in the 1960s due to human persecution and the impact of pesticides in the food chain.

Improved legislation and protection has helped the birds to recover and they have now expanded into many urban areas.