A man has been arrested in connection with the shooting of five hawks in a west Suffolk forest.

Five birds of prey were found on Monday, January 16 in Wordwell, near Bury St Edmunds.

They were discovered in a car park off the B1106 in the King's Forest.

X-rays showed all five birds had suffered injuries from multiple pieces of shot.

On Monday, a man in his 70s and from the Brandon area was arrested on suspicion of killing or taking a schedule one wild bird, possession of a schedule one wild bird and breach of firearms licence conditions.

He has been taken to Bury St Edmunds police investigation centre for questioning, where he remains.

Officers from Suffolk police’s rural and wildlife policing team were assisted by Norfolk police, as well as officers from the RSPB investigations team and the National Wildlife crime unit.  

All birds of prey are protected by law, and to kill or injure one could result in jail and/or an unlimited fine.