A deer suffered an "agonising death" after becoming trapped in an illegal snare near North Queensferry in Fife.

The Scottish SPCA was contacted by a member of the public after homemade traps were discovered in woodland near the village.

An inspector was sent to the area and found the roe deer, which had been dead for an estimated two months.

He said: "The snares had been made from bike brake cable wire and set specifically to catch a deer.

"With no stops on the snares it meant that the deer would have suffered an agonising death through suffocation and possibly suspension from a stone wall."

The charity is now appealing for information in a bid to trace who is responsible for laying the traps.

"Unfortunately our enquiries so far have not resulted in any leads," the inspector said.

"If anyone has any information that may help our investigation we would urge them to come forward. Calls to our helpline are in strict confidence and can be made anonymously."

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.