The police are looking into reports that a white stork was fatally shot in Gozo this afternoon.

Though no further information was divulged by the police, a Birdlife spokesman said the illegal hunting incident allegedly happened at a location between Għarb and San Lawrenz.

“We received a call by an anonymous caller at about 1.30pm and immediately alerted the Gozo police about the case, who went on the spot,” he said.

According to the caller two persons were seen approaching the stork and firing at it from close range, before fleeing with the dead bird.

The FKNK urged the police to investigate the report and to take all legal steps possible if the report turned out to be false.

In a statement, the hunters' federation said it was offering a €2,000 reward for any information which could lead to the arraignment of the person who carried out such an illegal act. 

On Friday nine white storks landed in a field beneath Mdina, attracting the attention of birdwatchers and hunters. However, Birdlife spokesman said it was unlikely that this bird was among those observed yesterday as they had continued with their migratory flight hours before this alleged incident.