POLICE have issued a warning to a man warning for poaching after he was reported to have been encouraging his dogs into an area fenced off to protect little terns.

Peterlee Police posted a message on their Facebook page following the incident at Crimdon beach in east Durham.

The post said: “An eagle-eyed member of the public has spotted this male who has then moved on, but not before his vehicle registration was noted.

“Please be aware that the little terns are back now in residence at Crimdon, and as such, there are some restrictions in place in order to prevent disturbance in the area.

“There are also dedicated tern wardens at the new hut near to Pony World if you have any questions or queries about these birds.”

Little terns, which are on the red list of endangered species, fly from Africa each year to breed at Crimdon.

They are particular in their needs, requiring a mix of sand and shingle to breed. They nest on the beach, just above the high water line and are extremely vulnerable.