A protected bird of prey has died after being shot in Ashwell, and police have now launched an appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

The injured red kite was spotted by a gamekeeper on the Green Lane bridleway, just off Northfields Road in Ashwell on Saturday, September 29.

He was unable to catch it until four days later, when he then took the bird to a vet.

X-rays indicated that it had been shot and had also sustained broken wings, so had to be put to sleep.

Officers are appealing for anyone who has any information about the bird and its injuries to contact them as soon as possible.

Det con Amanda Matthews said: “The reintroduction of red kites has been a fantastic success story and the expansion of the population into Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire has allowed more people to see these amazing birds.

“The persecution of birds of prey is a National Wildlife Crime Unit priority and we treat all incidents of this nature very seriously. We are therefore urging people to come forward with any information that could assist us to progress this matter.”

Anyone who has any information about the incident is asked to contact DC Amanda Matthews via the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 41/47461/18. You can also report information online at www.herts.police.uk/Report.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.