Police appeal after red kite shot in Peak District dies

A red kite found injured in the Peak District National Park has died after X-rays revealed pellets embedded in its left wing. Derbyshire Constabulary issued an appeal for information on 29 September, saying any detail could matter despite the time that has passed since the bird was picked up.

What happened to the red kite?

The kite was found by a member of the public on 7 July in an area above Buxton and below Combs, and taken to a local veterinary practice. “When initially assessed by vets, the kite was in shock and appeared to be playing dead. There was swelling and bleeding around the injured area of its wing,” the force said.

“Following X-rays, it was sadly discovered that the kite had pellets embedded in its left wing, indicating that it had been shot. Despite receiving veterinary treatment, the kite sadly passed away.”

Why are police appealing now?

The force accepts that the information available is limited, including exactly when the bird was shot. “However, any information could be important,” it said, asking anyone who was around Buxton, Combs or the surrounding countryside at the time, or who noticed anything unusual or suspicious, or vehicles or people that may be relevant, to come forward. “Something that may seem insignificant could assist with our enquiries.”

The appeal follows the marsh harrier found shot in the North York Moors National Park in September. Raptor persecution cases carry heavy weight in the policy debate around shooting, and the sector’s organisations have consistently condemned the illegal killing of birds of prey and urged anyone with information to take it to the police.

What happens next

Anyone with information should contact Derbyshire Constabulary on 101, quoting incident 26*431851, or report through the force’s website. The force asks that even seemingly insignificant details are passed on.