Police are appealing for information about the shooting of a sparrowhawk at a North Yorkshire nature reserve.
The bird of prey is thought to have been shot with a pellet gun at Nosterfield, near West Tanfield, on either Wednesday, March 20 or Thursday, March 21.
On the birds of conservation concern list, in the UK sparrowhawks are classified as amber status.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "If you saw anyone in the area of the nature reserve with an air rifle or similar weapon please email colin.irvine@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for PC Colin Irvine.
"If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
"Please quote NYP reference 12240050719 when passing on information."
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