One of the dead fox cubs

Police have warned walkers after a series of wildlife poisonings near a national park.

Derbyshire Constabulary issued the warning after two dead fox cubs were found. The discovery followed the poisoning of buzzards in the Kirk Ireton area, 8km (5 miles) east of the Peak District national park boundary.

One of the cubs was found on 1 May and another the following day. Four dead buzzards were discovered the previous month and police are linking the deaths with two bird poisonings in February at nearby Idridgehay. The two villages are close to Carsington Water, north-east of Ashbourne.

Police are warning walkers to be vigilant and not to touch any dead wildlife they find in the area. Derbyshire Constabulary has launched a multi-agency investigation into the incidents. An analysis by Natural England confirmed the birds found in February had been poisoned.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is offering as £1,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

RSPB investigations officer Mark Thomas said: “While the buzzard is the UK’s commonest bird of prey and slowly regaining its previous range, its current distribution in the UK still reflects past illegal persecution and poisoning.

“These incidents are of real concern and we urge anyone who knows who is involved to come forward in confidence.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Whoever is laying poison in the area has not stopped doing so and there is a real concern that dogs being walked, or children playing in the fields, could discover poisoned animals and come to serious harm.

“We urge parents and pet owners to be vigilant. If you see a dead animal while walking, please don’t approach it but instead contact the police.”

The news follows the confirmation earlier today that three golden eagles had been killed in the far North of Scotland.

Anyone with information about the Derbyshire incidents can call police on 0345 123 3333, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the RSPB’s investigations team on 01767 680551.