footer_shadow

Police appeal after Raven shot dead in Essex

Essex Police are asking witnesses to come forward after a Raven was shot in West Bergholt and later died.

Raven (© Christopher Teague)

Police are appealing for information after a Raven was shot dead in Essex.

Essex Police said the bird was shot in Nayland Road, West Bergholt, on 1 June and later died. Officers are now asking anyone who was in the area that day, or the night before, to come forward if they saw anything suspicious.

The force is also seeking doorbell, CCTV or dashcam footage that could help establish what happened.

Shooting wild birds without lawful reason is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Ravens, like other wild birds, are protected under the legislation.

PC Jed Raven said: “This was a distressing incident and we are carrying out enquiries to establish exactly what happened.

“Intentionally harming defenceless wildlife and birds is not just illegal, it is cruel and can lead to the animal suffering before death.

“If you were in the area and saw anything, or have any footage which may help, please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police quoting investigation 42/85306/26. Reports can be submitted through the force’s website or via its online Live Chat service, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Information can also be provided by calling 101. Those who wish to report anonymously can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

June 2026

 

Get Breaking Birdnews First
Get all the latest breaking bird news as it happens, download BirdAlertPRO for a 30-day free trial. No payment details required and get exclusive first-time subscriber offers.

 

Share this story

 

 

 

 

freetrial-badge

 

Latest articles

article_thumb

Weekly birding round-up: 7 - 13 Aug

Jon Dunn brings you his weekly lookback at the week's best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >

article_thumb

Scotland's seabirds fall to half 1980s levels

NatureScot's latest seabird indicator reveals widespread long-term declines, with Arctic Skua numbers down 93%, Little Tern 75% and Common Tern 73% since monitoring began in 1986. More here >

article_thumb

Osprey comeback powered by a few pioneering pairs

A 54-year study of Ospreys in Scotland has found that rare long-distance settlers are disproportionately important in expanding the breeding range and founding new populations. More here >

article_thumb

Nightjars use warm asphalt roads to cut energy costs before migration

A long study of Red-necked Nightjars in southern Spain found birds preparing for autumn migration increasingly roosted on heat-retaining asphalt during moonlit nights. More here >

article_thumb

Dark Bordered Beauty rediscovered in Northumberland after 70 years

A population of one of England's rarest moths has been found at the National Trust's Wallington estate, where the species had not been recorded since 1952. More here >