ANOTHER protected bird of prey has been deliberately killed in North Yorkshire – the fifth in just two months.

The red kite was found in great distress with a shattered wing – and despite an attempt to save it, the creature had to be put down.

Now police are urging the public to support them in the fight against red kite persecution and urging them to report anything suspicious.

It was found on Sunday morning by a walker on Hall Lane, Blubberhouses, near Harrogate.

The Northern Echo: Red kite being released somewhere in Derwent Valley Picture: GAVIN ENGELBRECHT

A Red Kite being released in the Derwent Valley Picture: GAVIN ENGELBRECHT

In distress and unable to fly, the bird was taken to a specialist avian vet where an examination revealed it had been shot and had a shattered wing.

Its injury was so severe it had to be destroyed – and the shooting may have taken place a few days before the bird was even found.

In the last two months, five red kites in North Yorkshire have now been shot or died in circumstances that suggest poisoning, as well as three further afield in the region.

Of those eight red kites, five had been shot. One, found near Malton, was rehabilitated and released back to the wild, but the other four were so badly injured they had to be euthanized by a vet.

The three suspected poisoned birds are being examined by the experts from the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme.

The wildlife crime co-coordinator for North Yorkshire, PC Gareth Jones, said: "Red kites were persecuted into virtual extinction in the UK, but in recent years they have been re-introduced through breeding programmes at a number of locations nationally.

“In Yorkshire, they have spread from their release site at Harewood House, and are now breeding over a large area. Red kites are scavengers, and normally eat carrion, their favourite food being rats and rabbits.”

He added: "Red kites are magnificent birds than can be regularly seen soaring over our area, bringing pleasure to many people.

“I am personally saddened by the scale of persecution of these birds - it has to stop, and I would ask for anyone who can help this investigation to get in touch."

The birds are afforded special protection by the Wildlife and Countryside Act and anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for PC Gareth Jones, or email gareth.jones1237@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.