POLICE are appealing for information after an injured marsh harrier was found near Hutton Buscel.

The bird was found by a member of the public in a stubble field and taken to local wildlife rehabilitator Jean Thorpe for care, and was subsequently taken to a veterinary practice for examination. The marsh harrier was found to have a broken left wing with a shotgun pellet lodged next to the fracture, which shows the bird had been subjected to persecution.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “This magnificent bird has been very fortunate to survive, largely thanks to the dedication and care given by Jean, but is yet another example of a wildlife crime.”

North Yorkshire Police, who have just revealed details about the incident on August 18, are appealing for anyone with any information to phone PC Mark Atkinson on 101, quoting 12190155625.