The number of birds of prey illegally trapped and poisoned on moorland has more than tripled in the past two years, new figures have revealed.

A report by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has found that growing numbers of birds of prey are being illegally shot, trapped and poisoned on shooting estates, amid claims those responsible are growing increasingly confident of evading prosecution.

The report published on Thursday reveals that 87 birds of prey were killed last year, including buzzards, red kites and peregrines.

That is an increase on the figure of 68 birds of prey known to have been killed illegally the previous year, with at least 81 killed in 2016.

However the charity fears the true figure could be far higher, with many illegal killings going undetected or unreported.

The report found that in 2017 16 birds of prey were trapped or poisoned on land managed for driven grouse shooting, with the numbers jumping to 54 killed by those methods the following year.

The RSPB has now called for tougher legislation and enforcement to act as a deterrent to those who believe they can get away with killing birds of prey without fear of punishment.