Local wildlife rehabilitator Jean Thorpe is currently caring for a shot buzzard.

The buzzard was found injured near Shipton Grange close to Shipton-by-Beningbrough, York on March 29.

The male bird was found by a local farmer who called the RSPCA who took it to a vet and then to Jean for rehabilitation.

Jean said: "The bird was taken to vet Hannah Tate at Battleflatts vets where an x-ray revealed shotgun pellets to the wing, leg and foot. The bird was knuckling on the foot and the shot wing was fractured and droopy. The wing was feather splinted and he was given antibiotics. I collected the bird and the road to recovery was on.

"Bird of prey persecution has ramped up during this lock down, no one to see what is going on in the countryside. I've had three birds of prey over the last week showing clear obvious persecution. If anyone sees anything to concern them please ring it in."

North Yorkshire Police Rural Task Force Inspector, Matt Hagen, said: “This is yet another despicable act of someone deliberately injuring a bird of prey in our county. I would urge anyone who has any information about this incident or might have seen anything which could help our investigation to please get in touch with us on 101.

“North Yorkshire should be a haven for wildlife and we will do everything in our power to ensure we deal with the individuals who target our birds of prey in this way.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference number: 12200052238 or the RSPCA appeal line 0300 1238018 and ask to leave a message for Claire.