Police appeal launched as goshawk is killed after becoming trapped in cage on North York Moors

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information following an incident in which a goshawk became trapped in a cage and then appeared to be killed.

Officers have been examining video footage showing the bird becoming caught in the trap on Howl Dale Moor near Goathland in the North York Moors National Park, in the early hours of 2 May this year.

Shortly afterwards, an individual with their face obscured, can be seen entering the trap and appears to deliberately kill the bird before carrying the body away in a bag.

North Yorkshire Police Wildlife Crime Officer, Jeremy Walmsley, is urging anyone with information to come forward:

He added:

A cage trap can be used to catch certain species of birds alive and unharmed. Police say any non-target birds, such as birds of prey, should be released as soon as possible after being caught.

It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to kill a bird of prey.

Andy Wilson, Chief Executive of the North York Moors National Park Authority said:

Anyone with information relating to the incident is urged to contact the police.