A SOUTHAMPTON park has been shut by police after animals were potentially poisoned.

Hampshire Police say that Mayflower Park is closed following the deaths of a number of pigeons in the area.

Residents are being asked to stay out of the park while an investigation continues.

A statement says: "Mayflower Park's currently been closed by us at the request of environmental health officers.

"They're investigating a potential poisoning that has the caused the death of multiple pigeons there.

"You should avoid going to the park until it's declared safe enough to re-open."

Officers were first alerted to the problem at about 9.23am today and the park was in the process of being shut shortly after 10am.

A police spokesperson said: "A number of birds were found dead, it is thought they may have been poisoned."

They added that the park will remain closed until it is deemed safe to re-open and that the decision will be made by the council due to it being an environmental health issue.

The Echo has approached Southampton City Council for comment.