footer_shadow

Man arrested after five Red Kites found poisoned in Essex

Essex Police posted the following statement on social media, 21 November 2025

Red Kite (© Christopher Teague)

An Aveley man has been arrested after five red kites were found dead in a field in Orsett.

Our Rural Engagement Team is investigating because killing or harming birds of prey is a criminal offence.

PC Luke Jones says: “Red kites, along with all birds of prey, are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

“Tests have shown that they were poisoned. The poisons used are deadly not only to wildlife but also to humans.

“Anyone who finds a dead bird of prey or suspects illegal activity should report the information to police via our website.

“But please take care not to touch them“.

The man has been released under investigation and our inquiries continue

Ends.

Essex police have not asked the public for any information relating to the crime or released any further details such as what kind of poison was used and when the birds were found.

 

November 2025

 

Get Breaking Birdnews First
 Get all the latest breaking bird news as it happens, download BirdAlertPRO for a 30-day free trial. No payment details required and get exclusive first-time subscriber offers.

 

Share this story

 

 

 

 

freetrial-badge

 

Latest articles

article_thumb

Abernethy wildfire remains active after burning 10 square kilometres

Firefighters have made substantial progress at RSPB Abernethy, but hotspots remain, wildlife impacts are still being assessed and affected areas remain closed. More here >

article_thumb

Curlew chicks rescued from wildfire returned to wild

Eggs were removed from a nest threatened by a major blaze in County Fermanagh before the young birds were reared, satellite-tagged and released at a protected site. More here >

article_thumb

Blue-winged Macaws set for return to Argentina

A reintroduction programme could see Blue-winged Macaws flying free in Argentina for the first time in more than 20 years. More here >

article_thumb

Record breeding season for Bonelli's Eagles in France

A provisional total of 44 young Bonelli's Eagles have fledged or are expected to leave their nests in France this year, surpassing the previous national record. More here >

article_thumb

First Puffin chick in 30 years seen at Dorset colony

The discovery of a young Puffin at Dancing Ledge has provided fresh hope for the survival of the last regular breeding colony on the mainland coast of southern England. More here >