THERE has been an increase in reports of wild birds in Cumbria being ‘disturbed, injured or killed’ during the last month, according to police.

Cumbria Constabulary has urged members of the public to ‘remain vigilant’ and to report any suspicious behaviour.

PC Samantha O’Key, Cumbria Police’s wildlife, rural and environmental crime coordinator, said: “Along with other forces across the country, in Cumbria we have seen an increase over the last month in the number of reports of birds of prey, other wild birds and their nests being disturbed, injured or killed.

“All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law.”

“Many people are now taking exercise in rural areas and we would ask members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour involving the persecution of our birds of prey and wild birds.

“We would also ask that dogs are kept on leads so as not to disturb ground nesting birds.”

Last Friday, Cumbria Constabulary took part in a ‘day of action’ with forces around the country to highlight the problem of raptor persecution across social media channels.

The day came under the banner of the nationwide awareness-raising initiative 'Operation Owl', which was launched in 2016.