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

Sandwich Terns have best breeding season for decades at Scottish reserve

More than 1,100 Sandwich Tern chicks fledged at Forvie National Nature Reserve on Scotland's east coast, this summer. More here >

article_thumb

First year of Wildcat reintroduction project hailed a success

NatureScot-backed research confirms that breeding and release has delivered high survival and early breeding success for Scotland's Wildcats. More here >

article_thumb

Rare butterfly has good year at well-managed sites

Marsh Fritillaries have shown encouraging increases at carefully managed sites this season, highlighting the value of habitat restoration and volunteer effort. More here >

article_thumb

Conservationists rescue oldest known wild Bearded Vulture

The oldest Bearded Vulture ever recorded in the wild was recently rescued in the French Alps by some of the same conservationists who released him 37 years ago. More here >

article_thumb

Satellite tags cut off as three White-tailed Eagles disappear

Police are investigating the disappearance of three White-tailed Eagles after two satellite tags were found cut off and one bird stopped transmitting. More here >