Rare bird of prey found injured

One of Britain's rarest birds of prey has been shot in Lincolnshire.

An adult osprey was taken into care on Monday night suffering from two wounds, and is now coming round from major surgery to remove the pellets.

The injured animal was discovered in the North Scarle area near Lincoln and animal welfare officers condition is being closely monitored.

The incident comes just days after an armed man was chased away from nesting peregrines in the Peak District.

Continued persecution

Grahame Madge from the RSPB said he is appalled by the shooting.

"This is a terrible incident. The osprey is one of the rarest nesting birds of prey.

"The reason why it became extinct in 1916 in Britain was because of persecution.

"I think in the year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the reintroduction of the bird to Britain we have been sharply reminded that such persecution still occurs."