Three men have been arrested and charged with hare coursing as part of a wildlife crime investigation by police.

The men, aged 31, 35 and 47, allegedly used lurcher-type dogs to target hares around Pathhead, near Dalkeith south of Edinburgh, on February 3.

They were also accused of the same offence at the Horseupcleugh estate near Duns in the Borders on the same day and face charges under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act, police said.

They are expected to appear in court at a later date.

Constable Jamie Hood said: "Hunting hares with dogs is not only cruel but is an anti-social activity that impacts on the livelihoods of people who work in our rural community. The people involved in this activity are often involved in other criminal activity, so we ask members of the public to be vigilant."

A 20-year-old man was also charged with coursing at farmland near Longniddry in East Lothian, earlier this week as police crack down on the practice.