Police probe wild bird 'killings'

The population of black headed gulls has fallen by 40%

Police are investigating the suspected deliberate killings of a number of wild birds in North Yorkshire.

Wildlife crime officers said there had been unconfirmed reports that black headed gulls had been illegally killed in the Craven area.

The birds can be killed under the conditions of a special licence but without this it is an offence which could lead to six months in prison.

Anyone with information on the killings is being asked to contact police.

PC Vanessa Bateson, Craven wildlife crime officer, said: "It is crucial that any information about illegal killing of wild species such as black headed gulls is passed onto the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible."

During the past 20 years the population of the black headed gulls has fallen by 40%, which is double the decline of other gulls.