The RSPCA is appealing for information after the bodies of two blackbirds were found in a garden in Costessey, Norwich.Residents in Green Hills Close saw one of the birds fall to the ground and then found the body of the other one on Thursday, February 4.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after the bodies of two blackbirds were found in a garden in Costessey, Norwich.

Residents in Green Hills Close saw one of the birds fall to the ground and then found the body of the other one on Thursday, February 4.

Although post mortems have yet to be carried out the blackbirds' injuries are thought to be consistent with air gun wounds. Both birds had injuries to their necks.

RSPCA inspector Carrie O'Riordan is investigating. She said: “It is illegal and unacceptable to use wild birds as target practice. We need to hear from anyone in the Green Hills Close/ Townhouse Road area who has information about this incident.”

It is illegal to kill or injure wild birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. The maximum sentence is six months imprisonment and/or a �5,000 fine.