Tracked pine martens disappearance 'suspicious'

Two pine martens, which were being tracked, have disappeared in Cumbria

The disappearance of two tracked pine martens is being treated as suspicious, police said.

Cumbria Police and South Cumbria Pine Marten Recovery Project are appealing for information to help trace the rare animals that were released near Grizedale Forest earlier this year.

It is believed one of the mammals has two dependent kits.

Tracking them is part of a University of Cumbria-led scheme to reintroduce the species to south Cumbria and the loss "could compromise their recovery", Cumbria Police said.

Pine martens are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take them.

It is also an offence to damage their habitat.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact the force.