WILD birds of prey are being killed across Britain and their eggs and chicks routinely stolen from nests, says a charity.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which has an office in Denby Dale, said the catalogue of destruction showed the law protecting them must not be weakened.

A spokesman said: "Birds of prey, such as the red kite and peregrine falcon, are among the best-loved birds in Britain.

"But the persecution of these protected species ranks as some of the most serious of wildlife crimes."

The charity says that in 2002 more than half the 591 incidents involving wild birds reported across the UK were crimes against birds of prey or owls.

Of these, 141 involved the shooting and destruction of birds of prey, 42 of which were confirmed by the recovery of a body or an illegal trap.

There were 102 reported incidents involving the use of poison, which killed 32 birds of prey.

Last year, 33 offenders were prosecuted for crimes against wild birds. Six received custodial sentences.