Police are hunting vandals who smashed open a number of beekeeper’s hives in an Aberdeenshire community.
A larger number of hugely valuable bees were let loose as a result of the attack, which caused significant damage to the hives.
Officers say the vandalism took place some time between 2pm on Wednesday and 1pm on Thursday this week.
Two of the bee hives, located on a site between Inverurie and the River Don, were damaged so extensively during the incident that they have required replacement.
It is understood the the hives belonged to a small handful of local beekeepers, who used them to produce and sell honey.
Yesterday, the beekeepers were busy trying to save as many of the escaped bees as they could, in particular the vitally important queen bees.
Without them, the hives will not be able to thrive.
PC Eilidh McCabe, from the Inverurie policing team, is appealing for anyone with information about responsible for damaging the hives to come forward.
She said: “This would appear to be a mindless and inconsiderate act of vandalism.
“This area between St James’ Place and the River Don is frequented by walkers, so I would appeal to anyone who may have been passing by between these times and may have seen something to come forward.”
Anyone who has information that could assist the police in their inquiries is urged to phone 101, or the charity Crimstoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.