A RARE peregrine falcon that was found shot with a broken wing has been released back into the wild.

The fastest living thing in the world – capable of speeds of up to 242mph – the peregrine was found shot in Hampshire woodland in March this year.

Having been discovered in King Somborne, it was taken to the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover, with a vet confirming it had been shot and suffered a fractured wing.

Yesterday the trust released the falcon that had been in the bird of prey hospital for several weeks, building back strength.

The bird hatched from Salisbury Cathedral in 2014 and is known locally as Peter due to the blue ring on the bird’s leg. He was one of the first chicks to hatch at the cathedral for more than 60 years.

Jenny Shelton, from the RSPB said: “We are glad to report that, after some R and R at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Peter has made a full recovery.

Peregrine falcons are incredible thunderbolts of evolution and most of us are privileged when one chooses to live among us.

“Sadly there are people who will shoot or poison birds of prey.

“This story is part of a much larger problem UK-wide regarding the illegal killing of birds of prey which is putting some species at risk of extinction.”

The RSPB is offering a £1,000 reward for information relating to this case which leads to a conviction. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.