POLICE have reopened an investigation into a pigeon cull at Royal South Hants Hospital in Southampton.

As reported, campaigners discovered the 'scene of carnage' at the disused rotunda where birds had been killed earlier this month.

Members of the Southampton’s Happy Animals Rescue & Rehab attended the cull and found the grisly scene.

NHS Property Services, which runs the site, is carrying out an internal audit. Its chief operating officer confirmed the National Pest Technicians Association is also conducting an independent investigation.

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Now police have confirmed they have reopened an investigation after first saying no offences were committed.

A Hampshire police spokesperson told the Echo: "It was ascertained that no criminal offences had been committed and had been filed, pending any new or further information coming to light.

"We have since received further information relating to the incident and the investigation has been re-opened.

"Enquiries remain ongoing, but there is no further update at this time."

Contractors had planned to scare birds in the rotunda and block any holes so they could not re-enter.

But campaigners said adult birds were killed, with five babies said to have been plucked from their nests and battered to death with bricks.

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