Sniper leaves trail of dead doves

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At least 19 pet doves have been shot and killed by a sniper in the village of Wedmore in Somerset.

Their airgun pellet-peppered bodies have been found scattered across the village in the last few weeks.

Their breeder Suzanne Ager, said she had about 30 birds at her Church Street home, but nearly all have disappeared.

"I'm astounded something like this should happen, that somebody should be firing an air rifle. It could have hit a person or child," she said.

Reward

Two birds which survived are being treated in an animal rescue centre.

A reward has now been offered for any information about the attacks.

Local residents have expressed their concern that a weapon is being fired, apparently in broad daylight.

One told the BBC: "What's next? Cats, dogs, people? It's really shocking in a small village, in a quiet place in Somerset."