An osprey. Photo: Invisodude CC-BY-ND-2.0

Police are appealing for information from the public after a rare bird of prey died from its injuries.

The osprey was treated by a vet yesterday but died as a result of injuries police believe were deliberate.

The bird was rescued close to the River Dunbeath in Caithness by a local inspector from the Scottish Society for the Protection of Animals but, despite treatment by a local vet, it later died.

A spokesperson for Northern Constabulary said: “The osprey died as a result of the injury, which examination has revealed to be as the result of a deliberate act by person or persons unknown. Northern Constabulary are working in partnership with the SSPCA and the RSPB in order to conduct enquiries into this incident.

Caithness wildlife crime officer PC Cailean Macleod added: “Any persons with any information regarding who is responsible for committing this crime, or where the osprey received its injury, is asked to contact either Wick or Thurso Police Stations on 01955 603551 or 01847 893222 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

There are an estimated 148 breeding pairs of ospreys in the UK.