POLICE launch an appeal for information after buzzards were found shot in the North York Moors.

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after five dead buzzards were found hidden in a hole in the ground on land below Fox Hole Crag, on the edge of Bransdale in the North York Moors.

Following information reported to the police in April 2020, officers attended the location and discovered five dead buzzards. The buzzards were then x-rayed, with four found to contain pieces of shot.

So far, eight individuals have been interviewed under caution in connection with the incident. Enquiries are ongoing and if you have any information for the investigation can call 101.

All birds are protected by law, and it is a crime to intentionally kill, injure, or take any wild bird.

Persecution of birds of prey is one of the five national wildlife crime priorities.