A CAR was found burnt out just days after 14 lambs and sheep were killed in a field in Tollard Royal.

The discovery was made after a vehicle entered a field in the area of Tollard Royal and killed the 14 sheep and lambs sometime between 7pm on Sunday, July 17 and 6.15am on Monday, July 18.

A red Ford Focus MK1 was found in the Tidpit area of Hampshire on Wednesday, July 20.

A 17-year-old boy from the Verwood area was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and inflicting unnecessary suffering to an animal.

He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Police Sergeant Lee Turner, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “Our enquiries are continuing into this incident and I am appealing to anyone who saw a red Ford Focus in unusual circumstances in Tidpit and surrounding areas to please come forward.

“I would also urge any member of the public with information to help our enquiries to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220115601.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.