Protected bird shot in County Durham, police are appealing to public

The red kite bird was found with a shot wound at Burnhope Burn, near Consett, by a member of the public who was out walking.

An x-ray confirmed the bird had been shot and had suffered a severe break in its wing which was splinted.

The bird is now being cared for by a good Samaritan at Ryedale Wildlife Rescue in Malton.

The red kite when it was found. Picture: Durham Constabulary (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Read more: Arrests made after masked men with weapons arrive at home and injure three people

Police would like to hear from anyone who has information relating to this incident, including sightings of anything suspicious in the area at the time.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: “Police are appealing for information after a protected bird was injured in the Dales.

“The red kite bird was found with a shot wound by a walker near Burnhope Burn.

“An X-ray confirmed it had been shot and suffered a severe break in the wing which was splinted.

“It is now being cared for by Good Samaritan, Jean Thorpe, at Ryedale Wildlife Rescue, in Malton.

For more quality journalism, subscribe to The Northern Echo for £1.50 a week here. 

“An investigation has been launched and the police would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time or seen anything suspicious that could help officers with their enquiries."

Anyone with any information should contact Durham Constabulary’s Wildlife Crime Officer, PC Dave Williamson, by emailing David.williamson@durham.police.uk or calling into Barnard Castle Police Station. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.