POLICE are appealing for information after a buzzard was shot and killed in the Bradford district. 

The incident happened in the East Morton area last Wednesday.

According to West Yorkshire Police's Wildlife and Rural Crime, the bird of prey was shot and killed by "unknown suspects".

Anyone with information should call officers on 101, quoting 13240209470.

Buzzards are legally protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

To intentionally kill or injure one is a criminal offence and could result in an unlimited fine or up to six months in jail.

According to the RSPB's latest Birdcrime Report, the "relentless targeting of birds of prey is having a serious conservation impact on their survival".

In 2022, there were 61 confirmed bird of prey persecution incidents, the charity said.