A BUZZARD which had been seen feeding two young has died after being found shot say North Yorkshire Police,

They're appealing for information about the female buzzard which was discovered close to Appleton Le Moore, near Kirkbymoorside on the North York Moors on July 5.

Shotgun pellets were found in her tail and wings but she also had head and leg wounds which are thought to have been caused by a cage trap. Despite treatment she died. She had earlier been seen feeding two juvenile buzzards.

It's believed she was shot between six and nine pm on Saturday July 4.Wildlife Crime Officer Jeremy Walmsley, said: "This is the latest in a very long line of raptor persecution incidents in Ryedale recently and it is completely unacceptable. Killing or injuring a bird of prey is not only illegal but cruel and callous."

Anyone with information call 101 quoting reference: 12200115223