North Shropshire lamb killed with meat cleaver

A newborn lamb was decapitated in a north Shropshire field with what police believe to be a meat cleaver.

The lamb was attacked in a field off Buntingsdale Road, Market Drayton.

Detective Sergeant Neil Parker said: "One of the lambs had its head chopped off.

"They took the lamb to the vets and it was definitely an incision, a cut with a cleaver.

"We are doing follow-up patrols in that area to see who has done this."

Richard Ewels, police spokesman, appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "It's a disturbing incident and the police are appealing for any information which will help them identify the people responsible.

"The investigating officer is Pc Dave Timmins based at Market Drayton Police Station on 0300 3333000 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 for which a reward may be paid.

"It appears to be an isolated incident.

"It's a field off Buntingsdale Road involving one newborn lamb."

Mr Ewels said the incident happened sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning.

He said: "The lamb's head has been severed with what appears to be a cleaver or similar.

"Police are continuing to investigate and would welcome any information."