Investigation launched into rare Hen harrier found dead

Police have launched an investigation into the death of a rare hen harrier, found in the Ravenstonedale area of Cumbria.

A post-mortem found the endangered male bird, named Rowan, was likely to have been shot.

Hen harriers are classified as a Red List species for conservationpriority - meaning urgent action is needed to save them.

They are considered to be the "most intensively persecuted" bird of prey in the UK and can be targeted by gamekeepers as they prey on red grouse chicks.

Rowan was satellite tagged as part of the Langholm Project and had recently flown in Cumbria and the North Yorkshire Dales before he was found dead.

Hen Harriers are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and the Government launched an action plan earlier this year to increase the population.

The RSPB pulled out of the initiative because it felt the plan was not delivering the 'urgent action and change in behaviour' needed to bring thebird of prey back from the brink of extinction in England.

There were just three breeding pairs in England this year.