Three young boys are suspected of massacring 50 doves with an air rifle in a dovecote last week.

Police have identified three suspects, aged 10 to 11 years old, after the break-in at a dovecote in Bookham on Wednesday.

Fifty doves died at the scene and four were put to sleep at Leatherhead’s Wildlife Aid Foundation (WAF), which is caring for nine survivors.

Officers are considering what action to take against the child suspects and an adult who allowed the boys to use the weapon. Police have seized the air rifle.

Your Local Guardian:

Mole Valley Neighbourhood Sergeant John Pearson said air weapon owners have strict legal requirements and social responsibilities.

He said: "This was a shocking scene for the owners to return to and frightening that children could be responsible, which emphasises the need for such weapons to be stored securely."

Your Local Guardian:

PC John Hockley, wildlife officer for Surrey Police said: "This was a horrific incident with the offenders showing absolutely no regard for the life of these birds and the injury and distress they caused to those who survived."

WAF founder Simon Cowell said: "We currently have nine doves that we are treating at the WAF hospital. Five of them are just babies. Every one of them was shot with an air rifle. It was a massacre."

He added: "What on earth motivates children - or anyone - to take pot shots at birds? It is despicable. 

Your Local Guardian:

"Why aren't their mums and dads exercising their parental responsibility and putting a stop to these terrible activities?"

He said that WAF was in touch with police, adding: "I hope there will be prosecutions of the parents for allowing this massacre to take place."

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference MV/13/3283, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To donate towards the care and treatment of the injured doves visit www.wildlifeaid.org.uk or call the WAF office on 01372 377332.

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