Youths torture injured falcon at Northcroft Park in Newbury

Youths have been seen goading an injured peregrine falcon at a popular wild swimming spot near Newbury.

People trying to rescue the wild bird say they were taunted and abused until it was rescued and taken to the Hawk Conservancy Trust.

The rare birds have nested on top of the BT Tower near to Northcroft Park.

The incident happened during last week’s heatwave, when hundreds of young people gathered at the water's edge.

It has prompted calls for police to get involved, and for a wild swimming expert to speak to those gathering at West Berkshire’s wild swimming spots about the dangers of swimming, drinking and drug taking.

The people who rescued the falcon also pleaded with the council to send a wildlife expert into schools to inform them about the bird and how to treat wildlife.

The fire brigade is also being sent in to help educate about the dangers of wild swimming.

“The issue of young people gathering in fields by rivers across the district to wild swim and the accompanying drugs and alcohol involved is a concern,” said Martha Vickers (Lib Dem, Newbury Central).

“As well as anti social behaviour there is concern for danger to life with combination of swimming and substance misuse. The main concern seems to be in Pangbourne, and there are issues in Northcroft and Speen Moor.

“I think we should ask the town council’s outreach workers to visit Northcroft regularly. But ideally we need someone with swimming expertise who can advise re wild swimming.”

West Berkshire Council says it will request the substance misuse services do some work to raise awareness and visit the sites once they are fully staffed.