Kestels are protected by law. Photo: Andreas Trepte CC-BY-SA-2.5

Police are appealing for information after a kestrel was shot near a nature reserve in North Yorkshire.

A member of the public found the injured bird near the Nigh Batts Nature Reserve, at North Stainley, in Ripon.

The kestrel was taken to a specialist vet but could not be saved and had to be put down.

It had suffered a shattered wing due to shotgun pellets.

North Yorkshire Police wildlife officer PC Gareth Jones said: “A kestrel is a small bird of prey commonly seen hovering over roadside verges and byways.

“It is a bird which is not normally subjected to this type of persecution and this is a most unusual occurrence.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area over the weekend prior to the bird being found and has any information which may assist the investigation, to get in touch.”

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds condemned the shooting and joined officers in appealing for witness to come forward.

Guy Shorrock, of the RSPB, said: “This charismatic little falcon will be a familiar bird to most people.

“This is a senseless act and we would ask anyone with any information to contact North Yorkshire Police.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, selecting option two, and ask for Gareth Jones or Ripon police.

Alternatively, information can be emailed to the officer.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Members of the public are asked to quote the reference number 12130119899 when passing information about the incident.