Buzzard shot down in North York Moors National Park

The injured buzzard is being cared for by vets after it was found in Rosedale, North Yorkshire

A bird of prey has been shot in the North York Moors national park.

The buzzard was found "fighting for its life" on Daleside Road in Rosedale, North Yorkshire, with the raptor now in the care of vets.

"Fortunately it survived the trauma," North Yorkshire Police said, launching an appeal for information.

The force said it was the third buzzard in the last four months that had been shot or had died in suspicious circumstances in the Rosedale area.

PC Jez Walmsley, of the Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside safer neighbourhood team, said: "I would appeal to anyone who has any information about who is persecuting these magnificent birds to come forward."