Police investigating the theft of eggs from a marsh harrier's nest in Norfolk have released a description of a man they want to talk to.

An unknown number of eggs were snatched from the nest at Guist, near Fakenham. Police believe the breeding site, on the marsh, off Bridge Road, was targeted on Sunday.

Detectives investigating the crime say new information suggests a black Renault Clio was seen in the area during the evenings on the week prior the event.

Officers believe that could be significant and want to hear from anyone who saw such a vehicle in the area or spotted any other suspicious behaviour.

A man described as aged in his mid-50s, with brown hair, of slim to medium build and wearing a camouflage jacket was in the vehicle and appeared to be taking photographs with a long lens camera.

The same vehicle is believed to have been seen parked next to Guist Bridge at around 9pm last Friday.

Marsh Harriers are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the EDP has offered a reward of £1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thief.

Wardens from the Hawk and Owl Trust, who manage the reed bed, found a trail of footprints leading through the reeds to the empty nest, near the River Wensum.

Norfolk is one of the once-rare harrier's strongholds, with nature lovers flocking to bird reserves like the RSPB's Titchwell Marsh, near Hunstanton, to see the birds.

Nature reserves are a prime target for egg thieves across the eastern region and their wardens work closely with officers and the RSPB Investigations Section to report suspicious activity.

Notices are displayed in some of the nature reserves alerting the public to the possibility that egg thieves may be operating in the area.

Anyone with information about egg thefts should contact Norfolk Constabulary quoting 'Operation Compass' on 101.

Anyone with information relating to the recent theft should contact PC Jason Pegden at Norfolk Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.