A DEADLY virus is threatening the North-west's population of red squirrels -- which are already endangered.
Wildlife officials say the squirrel has nearly died out in the Southport area due to a virus carried out by its rival, the grey squirrel.
At the National Trust's reserve in Formby, there is a thriving colony of 600 red squirrels.
But it is feared the virus may spread to this reserve and the Trust is asking people to report any dead red squirrels.
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