AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after two 'extremely rare' eagles were found dead - one of which was found in Dorset.

The white-tailed eagles had been released as part of a reintroduction project by Forestry England in a bid to bring the breed back to the country after an absence of over 240 years, by releasing up to 60 birds over five years.

The eagles are Britain’s largest birds of prey with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters and were once widespread across England before they were wiped out.

Dorset Police are appealing for information from the public to help find out what could have caused the birds death.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "Sadly, two of the Sea Eagle England Isle of Wight reintroduced white-tailed eagles have recently been recovered dead on multi-agency operations in the south of England including one in Dorset in late January. An investigation is underway to ascertain the causes of death of both birds, who are undergoing post mortem and toxicological examination.

"These birds are extremely rare and we ask the public to be vigilant and to report any information they may have relating to the death of these birds to Dorset Police at 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, quoting ocurrence 55220015571 with your contact details. You can contact us in confidence. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

"Three other eagles are currently present in Dorset."