'Illegally-held' wild bird eggs seized in Devon
More than 50 bird eggs which are suspected of being illegally obtained have been seized in Devon.
Police and RSPB officers searched properties in South Brent, Bittaford and Totnes on Wednesday after receiving information from the public.
Fifty eggs were seized in South Brent and eight in Bittaford, while diaries and literature relating to the theft of wild bird eggs were found in Totnes.
Possessing wild bird eggs is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the RSPB had identified the eggs to be illegal through the shape and colour of them, but that they would be further examined to find out which species they belong to.
Wildlife officer Pc Josh Marshall said: "Unfortunately the bird egg collector community is directly responsible for wiping out two species of wild bird in Devon by stealing their eggs for a hobby."
Pc Marshall said that red-backed shrikes and the nightingale have both been eradicated.