A BOY was seen taking aim at a pheasant from a car in north Dorset.

A police investigation has been launched and officers are appealing for information following the incident, which took place at around 3pm on Friday, November 19.

A silver Daihatsu Charade, with three people inside and the registration V452 FCR was seen in the area of Tarrant Rawston - a boy aged between 12 and 14, was reportedly leaning out of the window and taking aim at a pheasant with a catapult.

The vehicle is understood to have travelled to the Wiltshire area following the incident.

Inspector Simon Perry, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this matter and I am appealing for anyone with information to please contact us.

“We have made efforts to trace the vehicle involved, but these have so far been unsuccessful and I would urge anyone who comes across it to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210186917. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.