A DEER has been killed by suspected poachers, who entered a field in some kind of vehicle before apparently mowing the animal down.

Christchurch police released a number of images online in response to the incident, which is believed to have happened on Wednesday night.

Commenting on the images, PC Sebastian Haggett said: "These are the scenes that a farmer in Dorset has awoken to this morning.

"A trespasser has entered a field in a vehicle in the night, driven down crop and then killed a deer.

"It appears this has been done by making contact with it in a vehicle. The images are unsettling and are a reminder of the realities of poaching. This is not 'one for the pot' or the result of a hungry individual trying to feed their family.

"If you see a vehicle in a field at night and suspect poaching in progress please do not delay and dial 999."

Meanwhile, a South Dorset farmer who wished to remain anonymous, said the pictures represented another example of the ongoing attacks farmers are experiencing on a daily basis from poachers.

The farmer said: "There is no link between hungry families and this crime but only a desire from a minority of individuals who think it’s acceptable to behave in our community like this.

"Unreported incidents like this are common place. As a community we have a responsibility to report everything that is linked to these crimes in order to allow resources to be allocated.

"With joined up reporting from farming communities and members of the public we can all play our part in putting an end to this barbaric and sadistic behaviour."

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