POLICE are appealing for information after two buzzards were shot and killed near Hexham. 

The first happened on April 25, in Steel, Hexham where the bird was shot and injured. It was taken to a wildlife sanctuary and examined by a local vet, but was later put down.

The second bird was found dead on May 14, in Blanchland, near the River Derwent.

PC Lee Davison, Northumbria Police's wildlife crime officer, said: “The persecution of birds of prey like buzzards is quite rightly an emotive issue and I want reassure the public that we take it very seriously.

"It is a criminal offence and, where possible, we will always look to identify offenders and put them before the courts.

"Inquiries into these incidents are ongoing and we are working with partners to identify suspects. I would ask anyone who has any information to get in touch with us.”

Jenny Shelton, from the RSPB’s investigations team, said: “All birds of prey are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Yet buzzards, peregrines, red kites and other birds of prey are being illegally killed in Northumberland, and other upland areas in the UK.”

Anyone who has information that may assist police should contact officers on 101 quoting log number 722 of the 14/05/19.