TWO barn owl chicks have been killed and two other birds stolen in a raid on a Ryedale nest.

Police say that the theft took place from a farm between Sheriff Hutton and Bulmer.

"A male and female adult bird were nesting in a man-made barn owl box that had been placed in an oak tree," said a spokesman.

"The pair had successfully reared chicks in the location for the last seven years.

"The barn owls were being closely watched by locals and were working hard to get their chicks to be ready for fledging.

"On or around July 3, thieves entered the field and used ladders to get the box down from the tree. Two of the nearly-fledged chicks were killed and an adult and chick were removed from the box and taken away."

The birds may have been stolen to order and police are appealing for information.

  • Anyone offered one in suspicious circumstances or who knows anyone who has bought a barn owl in the last week or so should contact 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Jez Walmsley or email jeremy.walmsley@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.