²ÝÁñÉçÇø in Kent have been warned by police to remain vigilant to a number of ‘suspicious and violent' deaths of sheep.
Kent Police's Rural Task Force said they were concerned by a spate of ‘unexplained' incidents which had taken place in the Halstead and Chevening areas between November 24 and November 29.
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Officers had received reports of six sheep which had been 'scattered' across a garden at a property on Otford Lane in Halstead.
Police confirmed the hides and entrails of two further sheep were later discovered dumped in a layby on Ovenden Road in Sundridge.
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Police Constable Marc Pennicott from Kent Police's Rural Task Force, said enquiries are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents to bring ‘justice' to the farmers affected.
"The theft of so many sheep and the way they were killed is abhorrent," Mr Pennicott added.
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"Our dedicated Rural Task Force is working relentlessly to identify the suspect or suspects and take robust action against them.
"Kent is home to vast expanses of rural land and the force prioritises the protection of its rural communities and works closely with partner agencies to bring those who offend in the countryside to justice."
Anyone with further information should contact Kent Police on 01622604100 and quote reference number 240225.
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Advice
In addition to more visible policing in the area, officers from Kent advised farmers to:
- Check sheep regularly,
- Report any thefts,
- Be vigilant, and
- Report any vehicles parked in rural locations and country lanes which could be involved in the incidents