REWARDS totalling £4,000 have been offered in connection with the fatal shooting of a protected red kite at Greenhow.

Last month, a red kite bird of prey was found dead near Greenhow, in Nidderdale. An examination revealed the bird's body contained what was believed to be lead shot.

Police put out an appeal for information and now that appeal has been boosted with three rewards worth a total of £3,000 offered by local people, businesses and organisations including the RSPB.

In addition, Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £1,000 for information that enables police to arrest and charge those responsible.

Red kite are a schedule one protected bird that feed on carrion and pose no threat to game birds, farm animals or pets.

PC David Mackay, a wildlife crime officer of North Yorkshire's rural taskforce, urged anyone with any information to get in touch.

“It has taken many years to re-introduce red kites after their near-extinction from the UK, and these magnificent birds can now regularly be seen in the skies over North Yorkshire.

Anyone with any information in relation to the death of the bird, which was found on Saturday, March 11, can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, option 2, PC 1452 David Mackay, or email david.mackay@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote reference number 12170047155 when passing information.