NO arrests have yet been made after New Forest animals were injured or killed in a spate of ‘Satanic’ incidents.

As reported, a sheep was stabbed to death in Bramshaw before its carcass was marked with pentagrams – a five-pointed a star often associated with the occult.

A heifer which had been let out in the village of Linwood returned with a wound on its neck, while two calves were found with minor stab wounds to their shoulders in the same area. The animals were later treated by vets.

The number 666 was also sprayed on doors and signs at the 12th century St Peter’s Church in Bramshaw.

Villagers say ‘666’ has also been sprayed on roads in the area, including Godshill and Nomansland.

Police are continuing to investigate the worrying incidents, which happened on dates between November 16 and 20.

An officer from Hampshire police confirmed this week that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward and speak to police.

Officers mounted extra patrols after the finds were reported.

Residents of the New Forest spoke of their fears that Satanists or cultists were to blame for the incidents.

The finds caused uproar.

A farmer from Bramshaw, whose heifer was stabbed and needed veterinary treatment, added: “I’m very concerned for the welfare of the animals and the people out there in the forest.

“It’s quite scary to know somebody is going around doing this. Why injure and kill animals and put symbols on them?

“I think it’s more than one person. I reckon it’s a group of people.”

The vicar of St Peter’s, the Rev David Bacon, said: “It could just be kids but I don’t think it is, given the context.

“There’s been witchcraft round here for hundreds of years - the New Forest is well known for witchcraft and black magic and this has obviously gone up a level.”

Mo Metcalf-Fisher of the Countryside Alliance said: “The evil perpetrators of these horrific crimes must be severely punished.”

The National Farmers’ Union said it was “shocked” to learn of the incidents.

All the free-roaming animals in the New Forest are owned by people known as commoners – villagers with the right to let their livestock graze the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference number44190416137.