Protection for rare island birds

Egg thieves have targeted the birds in the past

Wildlife experts and police are working together to protect the nests of rare seabirds off the Northumberland coast.

The RSPB's Coquet Island nature reserve is a key site in the United Kingdom for roseate terns.

Northumbria Police's wildlife crime officers were working with the charity to defend the birds from egg thieves.

The birds are protected by law and anyone found disturbing or harming the birds, nests or eggs can be fined up to £5,000 for each offence.

Northumberland wildlife crime officer Pc Andy Swinburne said: "In the past these birds have attracted unwanted attention from egg thieves, as well as reckless disturbance of their nests and chicks by authorised and unauthorised visitors to the island.

"Police and the RSPB will use everything at our disposal to protect this internationally-important population of roseate terns.

"We will be vigorously targeting the egg thieves whose illegal activities risk depriving the public of the pleasure of seeing roseate terns and other rare birds."

People are being urged to report any suspicious activity.