£10K Reward for lost hen harriers

A 310,000 reward is being offered after three rare birds of prer went from a country estate.Experts say the loss of the male hen harriers in the last three weks has put the species future in severe risk.Hen Harriers are Englands most threatened breading bird of prey with only four successful nests last year.The missing birds had nested at the United Utilities Bowland Estate,near Clitheroe,Lancashire.The R.S.P.B. said there was no sign the nests had been disturbed.It has put up £10,000 reward for information that may leed to a conviction.In the past,gamekeepers have been known to to kill hen harriers to protect grouse for shooting on private land.Anyone with any information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the RSPB,s confidential hotline on 0845 466 3636.