Peregrine found dead in illegal trap

A Peregrine Falcon has been found dead in an illegal trap near Edinburgh, prompting a police appeal.

The bird was discovered on 23 November close to a public footpath on the edge of woodland south of the village of Wester Bavelaw, near Balerno. Police said the bird was found in a baited pole trap and urged anyone with information to come forward.

The dead Peregrine Falcon was found close to a public footpath (Robert Booth).

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 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."