Police have raided premises in the Yorkshire Dales in connection with an investigation into the illegal killing of hen harriers.

Officers from the Rural Task Force and the National Wildlife Crime Unit, working together as part of the National Harrier Task Force, carried out an operation at an undisclosed location on Wednesday.

They executed a warrant to search land and premises that are suspected to be linked to the illegal killing of hen harriers and the theft of satellite tags.

Police Sergeant David Lund of the Rural Task Force said: “The searches were conducted by dedicated police officers and staff who used detection dogs, drones, radio tracking and metal detectors.

“We are pushing the boundaries with new tactics and equipment as well as with innovative new partnerships. This includes the use of wildlife crime detection dogs and drones.

“With these additional assets, we are able to expand our search parameters significantly, which will strengthen our chance of bringing perpetrators to justice.

“We want to send a strong message that the persecution of Hen Harriers will not be tolerated in North Yorkshire.”

The investigation is still ongoing, and North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Task Force is appealing to anyone with information about suspected offending to get in touch.

f you can help, please make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101, option 4, and speak to the Force Control Room.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make an online report.

This report from Richmondshire Today