FEARS are growing that cold-hearted killers are putting in jeopardy an ambitious scheme to bring a rare bird-of-prey back to the north.

The concerns follow the recent discovery of the body of a red kite on the moors above Nidderdale by a team from the RSPB.

Beside the body were the remains of what is thought to have been a rabbit carcass - and as a result the illegal use of poison is suspected.

Both the bird and the suspected bait have been sent to Government scientists for analysis and post-mortem examinations.

A dead buzzard was found at the northern end of Nidderdale earlier this year and analysis later proved it had been poisoned. Another dead red kite was found at about the same time and the result of tests on that are expected soon.

The recent deaths come in addition to four other confirmed cases of red kite poisoning since the programme to reintroduce them to Yorkshire began.

Police wildlife liaison officer PC Doug McPartlan described the latest cases as very disturbing. "The use of poison in the open countryside is illegal, indiscriminate and potentially dangerous to anyone who handles it," he added.

The RSPB's Yorkshire Red Kite Project began in 1999 when 23 of the birds were released into the countryside.

A further 19 were released the following year, and, although none could follow them last year because of foot-and-mouth, a further release is planned for this year.

The birds have bred successfully for two years in a row now and last year alone eight pairs nested and raised about 15 youngsters.

"If this does prove to be another case of deliberate poisoning, it is deeply depressing," said a spokesman for the RSPB yesterday.

"We will continue undaunted with this project. The majority of people do want them back."

Anyone who has any information about the dead kites, or the illegal use of poisons, should contact PC McPartlan on (01423) 539452 or Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111