Rare bird of prey found poisoned

The bird had been poisoned with a banned pesticide

An investigation is under way following the discovery of a rare bird of prey which had been poisoned with rat poison and an illegal pesticide.

The body of the female Red Kite was found by a member of the public in woodland in Lindley Green near Otley.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the bird initially survived after being shot but died as a result of poisoning.

Pc Gareth Jones said: "This case demonstrates bird of prey persecution in North Yorkshire is still occurring."

A post-mortem examination found the bird had been poisoned with rat poison and carbofuran, which has been banned in the UK since 2001.

Pc Jones added: "This truly magnificent bird has been shot and survived, then eaten carcasses of poisoned rats and mice which have not been correctly disposed of, before ultimately being poisoned using a banned pesticide.

"If anyone knows anything about this particular case or any other instances of persecution of this type, please get in touch with the police."