On 4 October 2022, the team conducted multi agency searches in the area along with officers from the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), the RSPB and Natural England. During the searches we recovered various items which we believe are linked to the offences under investigation. The offences include the suspected poisoning of three birds, two Buzzards and one Red Kite. 

Inspector Jason Baxter, from Lincolnshire Special Operations Unit, said: “Lincolnshire police will not tolerate the persecution of our wildlife and any offences reported to us will be thoroughly and expeditiously investigated and offenders will be dealt with robustly. Investigations are ongoing and we have identified one male suspect who will be interviewed in due course”.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Aaron Flint said: “A number of Birds of Prey appear to have been poisoned in the Horncastle area. We would appeal for anyone with any information to contact us.”

If any members of the public have information that could assist with the investigation, please call 101, email force.control@lincs.police.uk or through crime stoppers. Please remember to quote incident number 22000367672.

Source: Lincolnshire Police