GLOUCESTER Police have issued an image of a person they would like to speak to in relation to the possible disturbance of a peregrine falcon nesting site in the Forest of Dean.

A police spokesman said: "This follows an incident on May 24 when a male, wearing a distinctive jacket, was seen to climb over the edge of a high cliff in a private area which has a known peregrine nest.

"Officers are working with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and the Gloucestershire Raptor Monitoring Group to identify the male and establish his intentions."

PC Cath McDay, Rural Environmental Crime Liaison Officer for the Forest of Dean, added: "The intentions of this male are as yet unknown but it is clear that there would have been disturbance to the peregrine nest at this critical time.

"We are currently in the breeding season. Peregrines are breeding in the Gloucestershire region and there are a very small number of nest sites, monitored closely by a group of volunteers from the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

"Anyone who has information regarding the identity of the male is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police on 101 quoting incident 192 of May 24."

Peregrines are a protected species and afforded the highest degree of legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

It is an offence to intentionally take, injure or kill a peregrine falcon or to take, damage or destroy its nest, eggs or young. It is also an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb the birds close to their nest during the breeding season.

Violation of the law can attract fines of up to £5,000 for each offence and/or a prison sentence of up to six months.