A man was arrested after he allegedly lured wild birds into his garden and snared them in traps.

Police were called to a home in Nash Road, Marks Gate, last Monday to reports that an elderly man had been seen trapping wild birds.

Officers found an extensive array of cages and a large aviary in the small garden monitored by CCTV.

A number of dead wild birds were also discovered amongst rubbish on the property.

A man was arrested for taking wild birds unlawfully for his own pleasure. He was interviewed at Romford Police Station and bailed by police pending a review and possible prosecution by the RSPCA.

Sgt Ian Lee, Barking and Dagenham’s wildlife crime officer, said: “This type of crime though rare has a profound impact on the number native British song birds found in our gardens.

“It is sad some people can cause so much damage to our natural environment that to some species is irreparable, leading to their decline in some parts of the UK.”

Anyone with information concerning cruelty to animals or the natural environment are urged to contact Sgt Lee via the Whalebone Safer Neighbourhood Team web site or their local RSPCA Inspector.