BIRDS of prey continue to be illegally targeted across the UK, an RSPB report has confirmed.

The charity's latest Birdcrime Report revealed 68 incidents of bird of prey persecution in the country, last year, with three recorded incidents in the south west.

However, experts fear this is only the 'tip of the iceberg' because many killings are going undetected or unreported.

In July, this year, the RSPB and Dorset Police issued a witness appeal after tests on a dead buzzard revealed a piece of shot in the bird's skull.

A barn owl was also found dead in suspicious circumstances under its nest box at the same location, although the body was too decomposed to determine cause of death.

Both birds were found near Melplash, near Bridport, in May.

RSPB conservation director Martin Harper said: "Birds of prey are part of our heritage and inspire us.

"We should all be able to enjoy seeing these magnificent birds. However, illegal activity continues to put species at risk.

"There are laws in place to protect these birds but they are clearly not being respected or adequately enforced.

"We need government's across the UK to do more to tackle illegal killing to protect our raptors for us and future generations to enjoy."

Mr Harper said a Natural England study revealed 'compelling evidence' that persecution of hen harriers - associated with driven grouse moors - was the main factor limiting their recovery in England.

Tony Whitehead, speaking for the RSPB in the south west, confirmed there were three incidents in the region in 2017.

He explained: "One of these was a female peregrine found injured in March in Tavistock, and taken to a vet, where an x-ray confirmed a piece of shot was lodged in its shoulder.

"The other two involved a buzzard shot in Devon and a Sparrowhawk shot in Bristol."

Speaking earlier this year, Claire Dinsdale - of Dorset Police's rural crime team - said that raptor persecution was one of their wildlife crime priorities.