THE famous Oxford Dodo was killed after being shot in the back of the head, new research has revealed.

'Breakthrough evidence' by Oxford University and the University of Warwick has revealed the truth behind the violent death of the world's only dodo specimen to contain soft tissue since extinction over 300 years ago.

The specimen, held at Oxford University Museum of Natural History, is the most complete remains of a dodo - the head and foot - collected, meaning its the only one that has extractable DNA.

But the latest research, spanning three years, has surprised unsuspecting scientists as it was revealed the famous specimen was shot in the back of the head and the neck with a shotgun, although the shot did not penetrate its skull.

The findings cast doubt on the theory that the Oxford Dodo is the remains of a bird kept alive in a townhouse in 17th-century London.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History director professor Paul Smith said: "The Oxford Dodo is an important specimen for biology, and due to its connections with Lewis Carroll is of great cultural significance too.

"The new findings reveal an unexpected part of history of this specimen as we thought the bird had come to the museum after being displayed as a live specimen in London."

The significant findings, made by professor Smith, and Professor Mark Williams from University of Warwick, only became apparent when mysterious particles were discovered in the specimen during scans carried out to help analyse its anatomy.

Subsequent analysis found they are lead shot pellets, typically used to hunt wildfowl during the 17th century.

CT scanning technology allowed researchers to see inside the specimen for the first time.

Professor Williams added: "Although the results were initially shocking, it was exciting to reveal such an important part of the story in the life of the world’s most famous extinct bird."