A number of shots were fired near a roosting, rare short-toed eagle early yesterday morning and the bird has not been seen since, Birdlife said.

The eagle, which was first sighted on Sunday afternoon, flew down to rest on some rocks along the Dwejra Lines, before settling in nearby trees to roost.

Birdlife organised a watch over the bird during the night but at 6.24am, two shots were heard nearby. The police were immediately informed and were soon at the scene.

The hunting association Saint Hubert Hunters said the alleged shooting and a few other recent incidents prove that a blanket suspension of all hunting “does not deter the determined criminal”.

It said the recent increase in penalties did serve as a good deterrent but needed to be implemented to the full, adding that it regretted seeing the police having to appeal a recent sentence that was inappropriate.

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