Police probe after peregrine falcon found dead in trap

A peregrine falcon has been found dead in an illegal trap near a village on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

The protected bird of prey was found about 100 yards from a public path, on the edge of woodland, south of Wester Bavelaw, near Balerno.

The peregrine is the biggest species of falcon found in Scotland.

Police said the bird was found in a baited pole trap on 23 November and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Wildlife crime officer, Det Con Daniel Crilley, said: "Peregrine falcons are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and forensic tests are being done as part of our ongoing inquiries to establish the full circumstances."

The RSPB said the incident was "another shocking raptor persecution", which comes at the same time as after a golden eagle was reported missing in the Scottish Borders.

Ian Thomson, RSPB Scotland's head of investigations, said: "There can be very few people in the area where this peregrine died with the motive, knowledge and equipment to target a protected bird of prey in such a callous fashion, and we echo Police Scotland's appeal for information."