Police appeal after two White-tailed Eagles found dead

Police in Co Antrim are appealing for information after two White-tailed Eagles were found dead in the Glenhead Road area of Ballymena on 15 May.

One of the young eagles was a Norwegian-hatched bird released on the lower Shannon Estuary in 2022. White-tailed Eagle in the UK's largest bird of prey, with a wingspan of 2.5 m Reitnroduction projects have brought the formerly extirpated species back to Scotland, Ireland and the south coast of England.

Post-mortem examinations are due to be undertaken on the two young White-tailed Eagles found close together in Ballymena (Police Service of Northern Ireland via Raptor Persecution UK).

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said that it was committed to investigating all instances of wildlife crime that are reported as part of its dedication to combatting rural and wildlife crime.

Superintendent McDowell, PSNI lead for rural and wildlife crime, said: "A report was made to police shortly before 2pm on Monday , after the discovery of two white-tailed eagles found beside one another.

"The birds had no obvious signs of injury and suspicions have been raised given the unlikely position where they were found.

"An investigation has now commenced, with a post-mortem examination due to be carried out to determine the cause of death".

Anybody with information that might help the police investigation can call 101 and quote 1906 16/05/23. Alternatively, a report can be submitted online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.