FIVE dead buzzards have been found hidden in a hole in the North York Moors.

North Yorkshire Police say the birds were discovered in a hold in the ground on land below Fox Hole Crag, on the edge of Bransdale.

Following information reported to the police in April 2020, officers attended the location and discovered five dead buzzards, which 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.

Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information which could help this investigation is asked to call 101 quoting reference number 12200063953.

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.