FIVE stuffed birds of prey were seized in a raid on a home in Burnley.

Two tawny owls, a buzzard, a goshawk and a barn owl were found at the house in Glen View Road.

Police said the action was the culmination of an investigation into the sale of illegal taxidermy on the internet.

A 20-year-old man was arrested, but later given a caution. Police said his collection was confiscated.

Officers carried out the raid alonside the National Wildlife Crime Unit.

Police said trade such protected species was illegal without government-issued permits.

PC Ian Thompson, a wildlife officer, said: “We will take action against anyone we suspect to be trading illegally and flouting the laws which are in place to protect vulnerable wildlife.

“My advice to people who wish to buy and sell taxidermy is to check that each item has the correct paperwork with it before the sale takes place.”