RARE Peregrine Falcons have set up home on the roof of a Poole business.

The protected birds - thought to be one of only 1,500 breeding pairs in the UK - are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The location is being kept under wraps but wildlife crime officers from Dorset Police have visited the site to give advice to the business owner on how to protect them.

A spokesman for Poole Police said: "Peregrine Falcons are a schedule 1 raptor. It is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a Schedule 1 wild bird whilst they are building a nest, on the nest, or near their nest which contains the eggs or the young of that bird. It is punishable with up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine. It is also an offence to intentional damage or destroy a nest.

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"Working with this local business, these birds should have the best chance to successfully breed and have been very amenable to our suggestions to protect these incredible birds and give them the best chance of success. Police and partner agencies will continue to work with this organisation throughout.

Peregrine Falcons can reach speeds over 200mph when diving for their prey.