Police probe after red kite found poisoned in Ryedale woodland

The bird was found near the A64 between Scampston and Rillington and immediately taken to a vet but was in such terrible condition that the decision was made to put it to sleep.

The bird died in April but police say they have now received results from a post mortem analysis which showed it was poisoned.

It was killed by a lethal cocktail of brodifacoum - the main ingredient in rat poison - and bendiocarb.

Police say there was no way the bird could have accidentally ingested the brodifacoum and it is clear the bird had been "deliberately targeted".

Anyone with information about the illegal use of pesticides in the area or any other information about birds of prey being targeted, call North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12200055801.

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