The death of a white-tailed sea eagle on the Isle of Wight last month is being investigated by Hampshire Constabulary.

Despite earlier suggestions to the contrary, Hampshire police say they do not believe it to be linked to the deaths of two others in Dorset earlier this year. 

The bird, which was found dead on Bowcombe Road, near Carisbrooke, on February 24 was found to have bird flu and was the case identified by the Isle of Wight Council last week.

But the Roy Dennis Foundation and Forestry England, which have released eagles on the Island over the past three years, say they can't confirm whether the avian influenza was the cause of death. 

The matter has now been passed to Hampshire Constabulary.

Read more: Third wave of sea eagles released on Isle of Wight

Read more: When the white-tailed eagles first arrived.

The statement from the foundation and Forestry England said: "A satellite-tracked white-tailed eagle from the Isle of Wight reintroduction scheme was found dead on the Isle of Wight on February 24 

"Circumstances surrounding the sudden death of the bird are being investigated by Hampshire Police and partners.

"During a post mortem examination it has been identified that the bird was carrying avian influenza, although it is unknown at this stage if this related to the bird’s death and enquiries are continuing."

Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called shortly after 5pm on Thursday, February 24, to a report of a dead sea eagle on Bowcombe Road on the Isle of Wight.
"The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the animals death is ongoing.
"We are not linking this to any other investigations at this time."