Horror attacks see sheep decapitated in Newent

There is widespread shock and anger after four sheep were decapitated in Gloucestershire over the weekend. The sheep’s heads were cut off in fields near Newent and police are appealing for information about the horrific incident.

Police said the sheep carcasses had been removed and the heads left in the field in Malswick. It is believed that the incident happened overnight between Friday (May 19) and 5pm on Saturday (May 20).

There had been 16 sheep in a paddock on a farm, and the others have since been moved to a different location. Police are asking for anyone who has information on what happened to come forward.

Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing and Rural Crime teams are now taking part in additional patrols and liaising with local farmers to raise awareness of this issue. If you see suspicious activity taking place and offenders are present or nearby, call police immediately on 999.

Extremely graphic and distressing images of the severed heads have been shared on social media. They prompted an outpouring of disgust and anger.

One person said: “This is cruelty beyond belief.” Another added: “What the hell is wrong with people. Sick in the head.”

While this woman said: “We had something similar a few years back but they took just the lambs legs. Absolutely devastating and infuriating.”

Information can be provided to police online by completing the form^[2] and quoting incident 331 of May 20

References

1. ^{^} Eurofighters fly low over Gloucestershire in noisy touch and go (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
2. ^{^} form (www.gloucestershire.police.uk)