Four men charged in Dumfries and Galloway wildlife crimes probe

Four men have been charged in connection with a number of wildlife crime offences in Dumfries and Galloway.

Police said the move followed extensive investigations during the year into reports of persecution of protected birds of prey and wildlife in the Parton area near Castle Douglas.

Four men aged 59, 52, 46 and 31 have been arrested.

Police said allegations of wildlife crime were investigated "vigorously".