Peefer pigeon became a firm favourite at Headmasters salon in Weybridge when he began visiting out back a month ago.

Staff would feed the bird bread and cereal while he chilled outside the salon.

But on Tuesday, May 29, 17-year-old hairdressing assistant Faith Bavington-Hall went to check on their feathered friend as she did every morning, and noticed he was not himself.

When she looked closer, she noticed blood on his chest and an air gun injury.

Police issued an appeal after a man was hit twice with a suspected air gun bullet on Saturday, May 26, in Walton.

Detective Constable John Hobbs said at the time: “I cannot stress enough how dangerous it is to fire BB guns or any other type of air weapon in a public place.”

Peefer was taken to the Wildlife Aid Foundation in Leatherhead, which said he had a serious infection from the bullet wound.

Hospital manager Lucy Kells said in the past month she had seen two pigeons, a crow and two ducks with air gun wounds, as well as Peefer.

She said: “We constantly get pigeons and squirrels in. These guns need to be outlawed. Kids buy them and start off with target practice, then move on to this sick behaviour.”

She said Peefer was a “spirited chap” and they were doing everything they could to save him.

Mrs Kells said: “We don't give up unless they do.”

Headmasters assistant Bethany Sims, 17, said: “We all hope he survives and he comes to see us when he’s better.”