Warning: this story contains a graphic image some readers may find disturbing

THE bodies of eight foxes were dumped in Poole parkland during the weekend.

Visitors to Upton Country Park have branded the killing of the three cubs and five fully-grown foxes "cruel and sad".

The creatures were found on a track close to the park's petanque court on Saturday.

The walker who made the discovery said: "It looked like they'd been cut open.

"They've all clearly been killed and then dumped in the park.

"They all appeared to have been killed recently as well.

"I thought it was possible that someone had stopped on the dual carriageway and thrown them over into the park."

He said those responsible for the killing "aren't normal".

"It's a really strange, horrible thing to have done," he said.

Roger Brewer, Upton Country Park team leader, said the circumstances are not yet known.

“Borough of Poole are currently working with Dorset Police regarding eight foxes found on the boundary of Upton Country Park," Mr Brewer said.

"We are unable to offer an explanation as to how this incident occurred at this time.

"However, council officers will remain vigilant and take action if they witness any harm to wildlife.

“We would encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact the police as soon as possible.”

In April, scientists from Brighton and Reading universities said the Bournemouth area is the urban fox capital of Britain.

The town has more foxes per square kilometre than any other urban area.

And the numbers - 23 per sq km - mean the resort has a higher concentration of foxes than the countryside.

Bournemouth's leafy suburban gardens could explain the rise, the scientists say.

London has 18 per sq km and Bristol has 16 per sq km.

Fox expert Philip Stephens said: "Housing types and the suburban structure in Bournemouth night be slightly more suitable than the areas we surveyed in London to support higher fox numbers."