A Buzzard has been found shot in Ryedale.

The female bird of prey was found injured and in a distressed state north of Kirkbymoorside, in Farndale.

It was taken by Jean Thorpe, from the Ryedale Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, to a vets, where it had to be put down. X-rays showed a shotgun pellet.

Mrs Thorpe: “To know this fine buzzard was deliberately shot and could not survive the wild life it should have had is a disgrace. Shame on who ever did this deed.”

PC Stewart Ashton, of North Yorkshire Police, said it was the fourth buzzard reported to have been shot in Ryedale over the past four months.

He said: “This figure alone is disturbing but due to the hidden nature of the crime, this figure will not be a true portrayal of the number of raptors being killed. This was a beautiful bird. It is sad and disappointing that some people are unable to behave honourably and see the bigger picture.”