Nottinghamshire police issue appeal after 'grisly' farm incident where sheep had throats cut

A farmer has been left devastated after three of his sheep were killed in an incident earlier this week.
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A farmer was alerted to loud banging noises and voices in a field at his farm in Calverton.

He found three of his sheep dead in a grisly attack – two of the animals were found to have had their throats cut and another is suspected to have died through shock.

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Two other sheep were tied up by their horns with nylon rope, with one of them also having a slash wound.

Police are appealing for informationPolice are appealing for information
Police are appealing for information

Thankfully their injuries aren't believed to be life-threatening.

Some of the sheep were still alive despite the injuries, and the farmer believed a vehicle in a lay-by close to the farm was connected to the incident.

Police officers moved quickly to arrest a 41-year-old man thanks to the help of a local game keeper, who helped to track down a suspect.

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Devastated farmer Michael Asher said: "It is very unnerving and frightening really. I'm devastated as this will affect the lambing next year.

“Three female sheep all died last night and it's scary that this should happen.

"I was told by my neighbour who heard noises and I came out to see the sheep injured”.

A 41-year-old man was arrested under suspicion of criminal damage, theft of a motor vehicle, and animal cruelty.

The incident happened around 11pm on April 6 on Oxton Road.

Detective Sergeant Luke Todd is leading the investigation.

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He said: "This is an horrific incident. Following the call by the farmer, officers were quickly in the area to make the arrest, aided by a member of the public.

"Officers also used the force drone last night to search for anyone else connected to the incident, but looking at the footage, there was no one else found.

"The man remains in police custody and will be questioned.

“We continue to investigate the circumstances and if anyone heard or saw anything suspicious please call 101, quoting incident number 917 of 6 April 2020."