Officers investigating a series of illegal sheep butcheries and thefts are appealing for information and witnesses after 11 more lambs were killed and butchered in a field Whilton, Northamptonshire.
The animals were discovered in a field on Monday afternoon, and are thought to have been killed between 5:00pm on Sunday, August 18, and 5:00pm on Monday, August 19.
The incident is being investigated as part of Operation Stock, the Northamptonshire Police investigation into a number of reports of illegal sheep butchery and thefts in the county.
Investigators are working with colleagues at neighbouring forces – including Warwickshire Police and Leicestershire Police – which have seen similar crimes in their areas.
Last month, the National Farmers’ Union said it estimated more than 100 sheep had been butchered illegally in the county since March.
Police investigating have remarked that many of the lambs appear to have been professionally slaughtered and their carcasses have then been stolen. In some cases, only the skins and guts are left behind.
Anyone with information about the latest incident in Whilton is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting incident number ‘19000440295’.
Information about suspicious activity in rural areas or around livestock can be reported to Northamptonshire Police on 101, referencing Operation Stock. In an emergency, call 999.
