THREE lambs were stolen and slaughtered near Sturminster Newton.

Police investigating this ‘gruesome’ crime received a report that at some time between 4.30pm on Saturday, September 1, and 10.15am on Sunday, September 1, three lambs were killed, and their carcasses were taken from the field of property between Fiddleford and Sturminster Newton.

The victim was alerted to the incident when traces of the lambs’ remains were located nearby.

Police investigating livestock theft and cruelty appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Police Community Support Officer Mike Sinnick of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team said: “This was a gruesome incident in which we believe the three lambs were slaughtered and processed in the field before their carcasses were taken.

“As well as this being a horrendous act of animal cruelty, the victim has also been considerably impacted financially, and so we are continuing to investigate this incident to ascertain the full circumstances of what happened.

“As this occurred close to the A357, I would ask any motorists driving in the area at the time of the incident to please review their dashcam footage and see if they have captured any suspicious activity which may aid our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240136973. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.