Another red kite found dead in North Yorkshire

Another red kite has died after being found shot in North Yorkshire over the weekend.

The bird was found by a walker on Hall Lane, in Blubberhouses on the morning of May 22. It was in distress and unable to fly.

After being taken to a specialist avian vet in Harrogate, examination confirmed the animal had been shot and suffered a shattered wing. Its injuries were so severe the animal had to be euthanised.

Police say the bird may have been shot a few days before it was found.

It's the eighth red kite to have been found shot or died from suspicious circumstances in the last two months in the region.

One, found in Malton, has been rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Three other birds which were poisoned are being examined by the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme.

Officers are urging members of the public to support them in the fight against red kite persecution. PC Gareth Jones, Wildlife Crime Co-ordinator at North Yorkshire Police, said:

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.