Buzzards are protected by law. Photo: David Dixon CC-BY-SA-2.0

A buzzard has been shot dead in the Scottish Borders, police said.

A dog walker found the body of the bird near St Mary’s Loch earlier this month.

Police are now appealing for information from anyone who may have been in or around the eastern end of St Mary’s Loch, who saw or heard anything that may be connected to the death of the buzzard.

The protected raptor was found on Sunday 3 March at the site on the eastern edge of a forestry plantation near the weir on the loch, at Bowerhope, Selkirk.

PC Hannah Medley, Lothian and Borders Police wildlife crime liaison officer, said: “This bird would have suffered a cruel, slow and painful death, and we are appealing for any information that can help us trace the person responsible.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area anytime from the morning of Sunday 3 March, who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to contact police.

“Anyone else who has any information that can assist our enquiries should also get in touch.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101, or make an anonymous report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.