Hen Harriers are one of the rarest birds of prey

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) says it has huge concerns after the male and female hen harriers left behind a nest containing two eggs.

Hen harriers are one of the country's rarest birds of prey and have not bred successfully in the Peak District since 1997.

The pair, which settled down for breeding in the Goyt Valley, near Buxton, have been watched for more than two weeks by conservationists.

Shortly after laying two eggs the female disappeared, a few days later the male also vanished.

The RSPB says the disappearance is heartbreaking and unlikely after the laying of eggs.

It says that if someone has interfered with the birds they could face a fine of �5,000 or six months in prison.