Police are appealing for information after pigeons and a hawk were found shot in Darlington woodland.

Members of the resident group, Friends of Geneva Wood, first found some dead pigeons in Geneva Wood a few weeks ago.

Their suspicions were further roused when they found a sparrow hawk which had been shot and killed.

Durham Police and officers from Darlington Borough Council’s community safety team have issued a warning to people using the woods to be alert.

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Sergeant James Woodcock, from Darlington Neighbourhood Policing, asked residents to watch out for any other birds suspiciously killed.

He said: “It is unlawful to carry out any shooting in Geneva Wood, while legislation is also in place that protects various wild bird species.

“We will be working with the council and other relevant agencies, including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and local wildlife conservation organisations to ensure legal action is taken where necessary.

“We would ask anyone in the Geneva Wood area to be alert and to report any incidents to us or the council’s civic enforcement officers.”

Councillor Amanda Riley, cabinet officer for stronger communities in Darlington, also issued a warning to the culprit.

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She said: “Our civic enforcement officers are working closely with local police and will be carrying out extra patrols in the area, but we will also need the support of local residents if we’re to identify those responsible.
“Shooting and killing wild birds in a public woodland such as this is not only illegal, but also poses a danger to others who may be in the area and anti-social behaviour of this kind will not be tolerated.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Police on 101 or the Community Safety Team on 01325 406999. You can also report incidents of anti-social behaviour online here.