Powys has the second highest number of attacks against birds of prey in the United Kingdom over the past five years, according to new figures.

The 'BirdCrime' report authored by the RSPB and released this week shows there were 68 confirmed incidents of bird of prey persecution in the UK during 2017, but the charity says many illegal killings are going undetected or unreported.

In Powys three incidents of Red Kite poisonings were recorded and a rare Peregrine Falcon, a Schedule 1 listed species protected by law, was shot between Llanfair and Berriew.

The county saw 25 confirmed bird of prey persecution incidents in the period between 2012 and 2017 – quite a distance ahead of the next highest county in Wales, Conwy, with four.

Bob Elliot, RSPB Head of Investigations, said: "The persecution of birds of prey is a widespread problem in the UK, and is affecting some of our most loved and vulnerable species, like owls and eagles.

"Every week the RSPB’s Investigations team get reports of yet another raptor being shot, trapped or poisoned. But for every report we receive, scientific studies suggest there are many more that go undetected and unreported. As such, these figures only scratch the surface of the true extent of raptor persecution in the UK."

Martin Harper, RSPB Conservation Director, said: "Birds of prey are part of our heritage and inspire us. We should all be able to enjoy seeing these magnificent birds, however illegal activity continues to put species at risk. There are laws in place to protect these birds but they are clearly not being respected or adequately enforced. We need governments across the UK to do more to tackle illegal killing to protect our raptors for us and for future generations to enjoy."