Police have launched an investigation after a heron was reportedly shot dead from the sky by a heartless poacher.

Bosses of a wildlife conservation project have told of their devastation following allegations a man fired a shotgun at the protected species as it flew across Ramsgate.

There had been reports of vile shooters flocking to Little Cliffsend near Pegwell Bay and preying on animals.

Wildlife Conservation in Thanet posted on social media about the incident on Saturday morning in Chalk Hill where the grey heron was killed.

A spokesperson for the group told KentOnline: "Nature faces all sorts of threats - from habitat loss to a drop in food source.

"The added threat of unnecessary shooting like this is outrageous.

"The area where this heron was illegally shot neighbours the most valuable nature reserve in the whole county.

"So we are deeply concerned at this activity taking place here because we get some real rarities.

"We have had reports from this area in the past but this time it was fortunately caught on camera."

The heron is protected at all times under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with fines or prison sentences dished out to anyone killing or attempting to kill one.

A police spokesperson said: "Kent Police has received a report that a heron was shot from the sky in Chalk Hill, Ramsgate at about 11am on Saturday.

"Officers from the Rural Task Force are carrying out further inquiries with the informant."

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet