18 sheep deliberately run over and killed in Warwickshire

In what police believe was a deliberate attack, 18 sheep have been run over and killed in Warwickshire.

Three sheep were found dead in a field at Barton Crossroads in Honeybourne Road, Bidford-on-Avon on Friday, 6 March, Warwickshire Police said.

Eight ewes were then found in the same field on Wednesday (11 March), and another seven were severely injured and had to be euthanised by a vet.

See also: What to do if you’re a victim of… sheep worrying

Police believe the animals were deliberately run over by a vehicle.

Rural crime officer Carol Cotterill said the “distressing incident” had left the farmer “shaken and upset”.

She added: “Unfortunately we do believe this to be a deliberate act and we are treating these offences very seriously. We are currently working with the RSPCA to identify the circumstances of the incident.”

‘Abhorrent’ case

George Bostock, NFU Warwickshire county adviser, said: “This case is abhorrent and we would urge anyone with information to get in touch with the police.

“Those farmers who have been affected will be devastated and the wider farming community is extremely concerned at the scale of rural crimes more broadly.

“The NFU is calling on local farmers to be the eyes and ears of the police and report anything suspicious.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and refer to incident number 47 of 11 March.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.