Police are investigating after two white-tailed eagles released in a project to bring the rare animals back into the country after 240 years were found dead.

The ''extremely rare'' birds were released in Dorset as part of a scheme by the Forestry England that aims to release up to 60 birds over a five-year period.

Police recovered the birds in late January after "multi-agency operations".

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Sadly, two of the Sea Eagle England Isle of Wight reintroduced white-tailed eagles have recently been recovered dead on multi-agency operations in the south of England, including one in Dorset in late January.

Roaming sea eagles now thought to have settled permanently in the North York Moo...

"An investigation is underway to ascertain the causes' of death of both birds, who are undergoing post-mortem and toxicological examination."

The spokesperson said the birds are "extremely rare" as they asked people to "be vigilant" and report any information they have about their deaths.

Anyone with information should contact police via [email protected], quoting occurrence 55220015571 with your contact details."

Two white-tailed eagles found dead after being released in project to bring 'extremely rare' birds back to England after 240 years