Hen harriers are on the brink of extinction in England after the number of breeding pairs fell to four last year, according to new figures.

The fifth national hen harrier survey showed the number of breeding pairs of the bird of prey in England fell from 12 in 2010 to just four in 2016.

Cumbria and the North Pennines have been at the heart of efforts to conserve the species, with breeding grounds in the area.

Conservationists locally have long held ambitions that species could thrive in the area.

Scotland - which is home to 80 per cent of the UK population of hen harriers - saw its number of breeding pairs drop to 460 in 2016 from 505 six years previously.

The number of breeding pairs in Wales fell to 35 from 57 while Northern Ireland also experienced a drop from 59 to 46.

Hen harriers are the most threatened birds of prey in the UK due to illegal killings and destruction of heather moorland and forestry, their natural habitat.

RSPB conservation director Martin Harper said: "The latest figures back up a continued trend that we have seen for more than a decade - hen harrier numbers are on the decline throughout the UK.

"The illegal killing of this bird of prey is a significant factor behind the diminishing numbers and a large barrier stopping their recovery.

"Without purposeful action from all, including governments across the UK and the shooting industry, we may see hen harriers once again lost from more parts of the country."

He added: "The reasons for the population changes are likely to be a combination of factors that vary from region to region.

"From previous research, it is known that the main factor limiting the UK hen harrier population is illegal killing of these birds associated with driven grouse moor management in northern England and parts of mainland Scotland.

"Other pressures such as cold and wet weather conditions over a number of breeding seasons, changes in habitat management and low prey abundance could have all had an impact on numbers throughout the UK."

Scottish Natural Heritage head of policy and advice Eileen Stuart said: "While Scotland remains the stronghold for hen harriers in the UK, the continuing decline is a serious concern, particularly the low numbers found in parts of the mainland."

Simon Wotton, lead author of the study, said: "We hope these results will convince all those who are in a position to help hen harriers to take positive steps to ensure their protection and rebuild the UK's hen harrier population for people to enjoy for generations to come."

The UK-wide survey - carried out by licensed experts - was carried out from the beginning of April to the end of July last year.