A PIGEON was shot by an air rifle and landed on a house.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident after a man from Little Basing heard a gun shot between 4pm and 4.30pm on March 28.

He went outside to see what was happening and found the pigeon on his property.

PC Nick Beech, from the Basingstoke Targeted Patrol Team said: “I would like to hear from anyone in the Little Basing, Lychpit or Norton Ride area who has seen or heard someone using an air rifle.

“Air rifles are firearms capable of discharging missiles.

“The use of an air rifle on your own land is not illegal, but discharging the missile, such as a pellet in this instance, beyond your boundary is illegal and could cause damage to property or injury to a person.

“If you own an air rifle, please take care and make sure you have permission to use such a weapon on the land.”

The North and East Operational Command Unit is running a firearm and ammunition amnesty, to give people the opportunity to hand in illegal or unwanted firearms or ammunition at a police station and walk away, up until April 16.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact PC Beech at Basingstoke police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.