Bird experts are worried the future of Sussex's only breeding pair of ravens is at risk after two of their chicks were found apparently shot dead.

The bodies were discovered under their nest at a disused cement works near Upper Beeding on Tuesday by experts gathering evidence for a public inquiry into plans for the site.

David Hill, a wildlife expert who is acting on behalf of Horsham District Council, said he believed the chicks had been shot.

Mr Hill had been inspecting the derelict Blue Circle Cement works site cement works prior to yesterday's inquiry.

He was with Colin Shawyer, an ecologist and bird of prey specialist, who has produced a report on the site on behalf of developers Callstone.

Each gave evidence at the inquiry at The Barn, Horsham, yesterday.

Mr Shawyer said he was very concerned about the deaths.

The adult birds, who produced their first clutch last year, are the first ravens to breed in Sussex since 1945.

There were plans to report the matter to Sussex Police today.

The area around the site is also home to a pair of peregrine falcons.

During the inquiry, Mr Hill defended Horsham District Council's plans to restore part of the site, which is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Mr Shawyer said the council's proposal would render the Adur Valley Park an unsuitable habitat for falcons and ravens.

The inquiry is expected to finish tomorrow.