Poachers have broken into a French zoo and shot dead a rhino for its horn.

The White Rhino, named Vince, was discovered by one of its keepers at Thoiry zoo near Paris this morning.

Police said the rhino was shot three times in the head. One of its horns had been sawn off, probably with a chainsaw.

The zoo has issued a statement via Twitter expressing shock at the crime, and people have flocked to the park's Facebook page to condemn the killing.

NEWS : Le Domaine de Thoiry victime du braconnage dans la nuit du 6 au 7 Mars -> https://t.co/auYd5X3dba pic.twitter.com/5QydrMpe9V

— Parc de Thoiry (@zoothoiry) March 7, 2017

The trade in rhino horn is banned under international law. However, it's prized in some Asian countries like Vietnam and China where many people believe rhino products have medicinal properties.

Vince's arrival at the zoo was captured on camera just two years ago, with staff clearly delighted to welcome by the impressive animal.