Peregrine falcon dies in Derbyshire after being shot

Derbyshire police are investigating after a peregrine falcon was shot and later died.
By Michael Broomhead
Published 7th Mar 2020, 09:39 BST
Updated 10th Mar 2020, 21:17 BST
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The male bird was found injured in Belper’s East Mill and taken to a vets on Wednesday but died following surgery.

Officers are now appealing for information about how the bird became injured.

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Sergeant James Shirley, from Derbyshire Constabulary’s rural crime team, said: “The peregrine falcon was examined by a vet and it was found that its injuries were consistent with a collision of some kind.

The peregrine falcon was shot in Belper.The peregrine falcon was shot in Belper.
The peregrine falcon was shot in Belper.

“However, X-rays did show that the bird had a lead shot embedded within its body.

“The shot was concealed by healed skin, suggesting that it had been there for some time.

“Raptor persecution is a crime and we would like to hear from anyone who has information about how the shot came to be there.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting 20*127543.