A GROUP of rare wild birds were released from captivity after a raid on a North-East home.
Police and officers from the RSPCA raided an address in Sunderland on Wednesday at 7am and recovered 15 finches.
They included three bramblings, a protected species which are native to Norway but winter in Britain.
The rest of the birds included eight fiskens, and three yellow hammers.
A police spokesman said: "Acting on information received, officers from the Sunderland South Community Policing Team executed a warrant under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
"A 52-year-old Sunderland man has been arrested and released on bail pending further inquiries."
The birds have been taken to a registered keeper.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article