Appeal after Peregrine Falcon found injured in Belper

We’re appealing for witnesses after a Peregrine Falcon was found injured in Belper earlier this week.

The bird was taken to local vets on Wednesday 4 March but died following surgery. We’re now appealing for information about how the Falcon became injured.

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

“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 contact us via one of the following methods, quoting reference number 20*127543.

• Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call us on 101.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.