AN accident in which three New Forest donkeys were killed is thought to be the worst in the area for 20 years.

Police have launched an investigation after the animals were hit by at least two vehicles - one of which failed to stop.

One donkey was killed and the other two were so badly injured they had to be destroyed.

The Verderers, the organisation in charge of Forest stock, offer a £1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of a hit-and-run driver involved in an animal accident.

Sue Westwood, clerk to the Verderers, said it was the worst incident of its type in the Forest for two decades.

“I've been here for 19-and-a-half years I don't know of any other incident in which three animals were killed in one go,” she said.

The collision occurred on the B3078 Brook to Godshill road - one of the worst routes for animal accidents.

The donkeys that had to be destroyed were put down by Andrew Napthine, one of the Agisters employed by the Verderers to deal with problems involving animals that graze the Forest.

He said: “One donkey was lying dead in the road. Another had a broken leg and the third had a broken shoulder.”

Anyone with information should call PC Gary Kimble at Hythe police station on 101.