The male hen harrier was said to have suffered serious injuries after being caught in a spring trap next to its nest in South Lanarkshire. The bird had been found in great distress by members of the Scottish Raptor Study Group. "The despicably cruel and brazen slaughter of this Hen Harrier on a Scottish grouse moor absolutely must herald some real action. "This crime marks a most depressing day for raptor conservation in the UK and undoubtedly the darkest day for the whole shooting industry. (Image: ChrisGPackham /Youtube)A Police Scotland spokeswoman: "We can confirm that the death of this hen harrier was reported to Police Scotland and our enquiries are continuing."

Source: Daily Mirror July 15, 2019 17:30 UTC