Suspicious substances and firearms were seized from a Colchester farm as part of a probe into bird poisonings.
Officers at the rural engagement team and Colchester community policing team carried out searches at a farm in the area in connection with an investigation into poisoning of birds of prey, namely red kites.
According to Essex Police, the officers seized suspicious substances and firearms from the locations, which will be forensically examined and further investigated.
The operation was carried out with the help and support of Natural England, the National Wildlife Crime Unit and with advice from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Essex Police operated as part of a national initiative, Operation Owl, which aims to increase awareness of bird of prey persecution and seek support to tackle it.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Bird of prey persecution is one of the UK wildlife crime priorities, which includes poisoning, shooting, trapping, habitat and nest destruction.
“If anyone has information on potential criminal activity in their area they can Essex Police on 101 or report it via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Further information on Operation Owl can be found online.
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