AN injured buzzard rescued by a farmer was found to have five pieces of shot in its body.

The RSPCA was called out by the farmer who discovered it at Shipton by Beningborough between Easingwold and York on March 29.

The bird of prey is now recovering at a wildlife rehabilitation centre and investigators from North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information about the injured bird.

RSPCA Inspector Claire Mitchell said the male buzzard was still quite feisty when she picked it from the farmer and a local vet found five pieces of shot in it’s body. They are planning to release it once it has recovered.

Rural Task Force Inspector, Matt Hagen, said: “This is yet another despicable act of someone deliberately injuring a bird of prey in our county.

"I would urge anyone who has any information to please get in touch with us on 101."

He added: "North Yorkshire should be a haven for wildlife and we will do everything in our power to ensure we deal with the individuals who target our birds of prey in this way."