A homeowner received an unexpected visit from the police.. after he used an air rifle to shoot wild pigeons on his roof.

Officers were called to Richmond Avenue on Thursday (September 17) after receiving reports of the shootings, which took place around 1.30pm.

Neighbours were startled to find out what had happened, reportedly also having the wild birds shot off the rooves of their own homes. 

Police gave the man words of advice around the rules surrounding wild bird shootings and have confirmed that it is not illegal to shoot wild pigeons using an air rifle within the grounds of your property.

It is however an offence when stray pellets leave those boundaries due to the risks they pose to the wider community.

A spokesperson from Essex Police, said: "We were called at around 1.30pm on Thursday 17 September concerning the use of an air rifle at an address in Richmond Avenue, Shoebury.

"We received reports that a man was shooting pigeons on his roof and we attended the address before giving him words of advice."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting crime reference 504 of September 17.