THREE puppies have been found dead in a litterbin in Peebles.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a member of staff from Scottish Borders Council made the grim discovery in the East Station Car Park on Edinburgh Road while emptying the bins.

The puppies are believed to have been dumped at some point between 8.30am on Wednesday 18th November and the same time on Thursday 19th November.

The exact breed is unknown but they are believed to be a breed of terrier or terrier-cross.

Two of the puppies were mixed black and tan and one was more prominently black. Two of them were male and one female.

Officers are now urging anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to please get in touch.

Police Constable Nicola Robb said: "This was a horrible discovery for the council worker. We are working with the SSPCA to investigate and urge anyone who has any information that can help us trace the individual responsible to please get in touch."

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, contact the Scottish SPCA's Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1110800 555 111 FREE.

Scottish SPCA Senior Inspector Jenny Scott said: "At this stage we do not know how these puppies died or whether or not they were alive when they were put into the bin. We would appeal to anyone with information about this incident to come forward."