Working in partnership with the RSPB and RSPCA, Humberside Police Wildlife Crime Officers have been investigating the shooting of a Marsh Harrier in the Barton-Upon-Humber area of North Lincolnshire in early September 2018 close to the River Humber.  

The bird was injured when found by a member of the public and x-rays later revealed the bird had been shot with a shotgun. Sadly due to its injuries it had to be euthanised.

Anyone who has information regarding the above incident should contact PC Neil Stovin via 101 quoting investigation 16/115793/18.

Force Wildlife & Rural Crime Officer PC 1708 Brandon Ward said, “Marsh Harriers are spectacular birds of prey which we have the pleasure of having present in our area. The deliberate shooting of this bird along with the killing of any other birds of prey, will not be tolerated. Whatever someone’s motivation is to harm such birds, it is unacceptable and is an attack on something that should be there for us all to enjoy”.

“Thankfully we receive very few reports of birds of prey being persecuted across our force area.  However these types of offences, like many other wildlife crimes, often go undiscovered so are never reported. I am under no illusion that it remains common place in certain areas”.

“I would encourage anyone who has information about the persecution of birds of prey to contact me in the knowledge that any information will be treated in the strictest confidence”.

Source: Humberside Police

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