Police in Aviemore are appealing for information after a number of endangered freshwater pearl mussels were removed from the River Spey and killed.

A total of 80 mussels were found near the fishing hut approximately a quarter-mile downstream from the Old Spey Bridge in Grantown.

They are believed to have been removed sometime over the weekend of Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10.

The mussel shells were subsequently found by a member of the public and this has since been reported to police.

Reporting officer Constable Andrew Courts said: “Pearl mussels are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and this illegal persecution is extremely disappointing.

“Those responsible would have been present in the shallow waters for some time to remove this number of shells and on the bank opening the shells in an attempt to locate a pearl.

“Police are appealing for anyone – fisherman, walkers, cyclists – who were in this area over the weekend and who saw anything suspicious to come forward and call us on 101, quoting incident NM1844/18. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”