12:04pm Wednesday 2nd April 2008
By Staff Reporter
A protected bird has been shot dead by a coward with an air rifle.
Police were called to Ladyshore Road, in Little Lever, following a report that a shot had been heard shortly after 7.15am on Monday.
Officers found a coot had been shot and killed.
The dead bird was recovered and examined by officials of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act it is illegal to kill these birds during the mating season which lasts from March to July.
Constable Diane Riley, Wildlife Liaison Officer for Bolton, said: "This was a cowardly attack on a defenceless bird, which I am sure will shock the local community.
"The path that runs along the canal is popular with dog walkers and cyclists and I am sure they will be concerned that someone is capable of killing a wild animal.
"We now want to hear from anyone who has seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area, particularly if they were seen to be carrying some kind of air weapon."
Anyone with any information should call PC Riley on 0161 856 7951 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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