Published: 19/05/2010 09:46 - Updated: 19/05/2010 09:49

POLICE have issued a fresh warning to parents and dog-walkers after two fox cubs were added to the tally of poisoned wildlife in a village near Ashbourne.

Officers investigating the discovery of four poisoned buzzards last month on land north of Kirk Ireton, and two in February in nearby Idridgehay, have found two dead fox cubs in the area.

Investigators say they are linking the incidents and a number of agencies are now involved in tracking down the culprit — with a £1,000 reward offered for information.

Derbyshire Police say the poison left for wildlife and poisoned corpses could present a danger to humans and their pets, and are urging people to look out for dead wildlife.

A police spokesman said: “Whoever is laying poison in the area has not stopped doing so and there is a real concern that dogs being walked, or children playing in the fields, could discover poisoned animals and come to serious harm.

“We urge parents and pet owners to be vigilant. If you see a dead animal while walking, please don’t approach it but instead contact the police.” Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, which is involved in the investigation, agrees people should come forward if they have any information that might help lead to a conviction.

Conservation manager Jo Brown said: “It is sad to see other wildlife being poisoned because it’s a very cruel way of controlling them and not something we like to see. Nobody likes to see.

“To hear of buzzards being killed is extremely sad because, in this area especially, they are still in the process of recovering from persecution and harm from pesticides so we would encourage our members to keep their eyes open and report any problems.

Anyone with information can call the police on 0345 123 3333, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the RSPB’s investigations team on 01767 680551.