Sparrowhawk that had been shot and glued to a bamboo stick dumped near Yorkshire canal

South Yorkshire Police are investigating after a protected bird of prey that had been illegally killed was found near Doncaster.

Police said: "On Sunday April 10 a member of the public found a sparrowhawk in a plastic bag in a drainage ditch in the Thorne area, close to the Stainforth and Keadby Canal.

"The sparrowhawk had been stuck to a bamboo stick with glue. On examining the bird, it was discovered it had been shot with a pellet gun."

Sparrowhawks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Investigating officer PC Sarah Barrowcliffe said: “Sparrowhawks are a protected species and it is an offence to harm them.

“This was a shocking act violence against a beautiful and defenceless bird and officers are working hard to identify those responsible.

“SYP is committed to the investigation of serious wildlife offences, including the killing of birds of prey.”