POLICE have issued an appeal after a peregrine falcon was shot dead.

Officers from West Yorkshire Police's Wildlife and Rural Crime team posted the appeal on social media website, Facebook, after the falcon was found dead in the centre of Brighouse.

The body was discovered on Saturday, May 23.

An X-ray was conducted on the bird and it concluded the falcon had been shot.

The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world and the fastest member of the animal kingdom.

It has a diving speed of 242 mph (389 km/h).

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) says on its website: "Peregrines were 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.

"However, they are still persecuted - birds are illegally killed to prevent predation on game birds and racing pigeons."

Peregrine falcons are also covered by Schedule One, Part One of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

It states that is is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb peregrine falcons, or their young, at, on or near their "active" nests.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Saddened to report a peregrine falcon was found dead in Brighouse centre, West Yorkshire, on May 23.

"X-ray concluded this beautiful bird, has been shot. Who did this?"

If you have any information that could help police you should ring 101, or use the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote crime reference number: 13200257548.