Poisoned sea eagle continues to make waves as Dorset police chiefs hit back

Dorset police chiefs have hit back after critics queried their commitment to tackling wildlife crime.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick and Chief Constable Scott Chilton issued statements yesterday (Wednesday, April 27) to refute claims that wildlife crime is no longer a priority for them - and that the force has not been politicised.

A row has been brewing since a white-tailed sea eagle was found dead in late January on a shooting estate in an undisclosed location in North Dorset.

Commonly known as 'flying barn doors' due to their two-metre wingspan, these birds of prey are one of the largest - and rarest - birds in the UK.

The sea eagle found dead was part of a reintroduction programme on the Isle of Wight.

At the time, Dorset Police confirmed that it was part of a multi-agency investigation into the death.

Controversially, Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset (Conservative), took to Twitter to condemn the investigation, writing: "Dorset is not the place for eagles to be reintroduced.

"I’m not challenging government for more money for Dorset so it goes on this.

"I don’t condone this at all, but I want Dorset Police to focus on county lines rather than spend time and resources on this."