FOUR men have been arrested and charged in connection with a series of wildlife crimes across Scotland.

Police received a number of reports of possible hare coursing in Haddington and Gifford, as well as Stirling, Duns, Kelso and Kippen, between March 1 and April 29.

Now, four men, aged 28, 51, 29 and 44, have been charged in connection with wildlife crime offences and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Detective Chief Inspector Bryan Burns, of Dalkeith CID, said: “I am pleased those responsible for these cruel acts have been identified and charged and is a great example of our commitment to tackling wildlife crime.

“Police Scotland, in partnership with other agencies, takes wildlife crime seriously and I would encourage members of the public to call 101 to report any incidents where wildlife crime is suspected.”