POLICE and the RSPB are investigating the sudden disappearance of a tracked hen harrier named Arthur.

The rare bird of prey - a protected species - had been tracked by the RSPB via a lightweight satellite tag since it hatched in the Peak District during the summer.

After initially staying in the Peak District, Arthur moved to the Brecon Beacons in South Wales before flying to Nidderdale in North Yorkshire in mid-October.

On the morning of October 26 he flew onto the North York Moors National Park and his last registered position was at 9.55am that day when he was just north of Lowna Bridge, near Hutton-le-Hole.

Neither Arthur’s body or his tracking tag have been found despite extensive searches by the RSPB investigations team

This has led to suspicions that Arthur may have deliberately come to harm and the tag has been destroyed.

Sergeant Kevin Kelly, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, said: “The sudden disappearance of Arthur is deeply concerning and we are working with the RSPB to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“This is a severe blow to the Hen Harrier project and an unwanted addition to the already concerning and ever-raising numbers of hen harriers that are just ‘vanishing’.”

“I encourage any information that could help me forward this investigation. These rare birds are one of the jewels in the crown of the English countryside. We have been looking around last known locations but there has been no sign of Arthur.

“Anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation is urged to come forward as soon as possible.”

Arthur is one of more than 30 hen harriers tagged in England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man this year as part of the RSPB’s Hen Harrier LIFE project.

Anyone with information that could help the police should call them on 101 or email RuralTaskforce@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.