Naturalists are angry because they believe two of England's rarest birds of prey have been killed and their nest destroyed.

Bird-lovers watching over the hen harriers' nest, which contained eggs, say its destruction is "catastrophic". The nest, in Tarset, Northumberland, is thought to have been wrecked deliberately.

Northumbria Police wildlife liaison officer Paul Henery said; "The last time there was a survey, it was estimated that there were only 50 breeding pairs in the whole of England, and the destruction of one nest like this is simply catastrophic for the survival of the species.

"People either smash the eggs or kill the young chicks, and then wait at the nest site for the parents to come, and shoot them down."

A Border Natural History Society spokesman said its members were dismayed at the destruction.

He said: "These beautiful birds are as much a part of our national heritage as Hadrian's Wall. They are protected by law as they are so scarce, but some people seem to think they can do what they want on the upland moors.

"The onus is on the police to get evidence as to the perpetrators, which can be difficult.We think there is an argument for changing the law to make landowners, or those who have rights to use their land, responsible for any illegal damage to wildlife."