Officers investigating a series of animal deaths in the New Forest have today (Friday 2 May) arrested a man from Totton.

Since November, we have received reports of 12 incidents where the carcasses of lambs and deer have been left in locations around the Forest, which we believe are linked.

These incidents occurred in close proximity to churches in Totton, Bramshaw, and Lyndhurst.

The most recent report was of a dead lamb left at the site of St Theresa’s Church, Beaumont Road, Totton at some point on the morning of Monday 28 April.

A 47-year-old man has been arrested this morning on suspicion of two counts of criminal damage and ten counts of religiously aggravated criminal damage. He remains in police custody at this time.

The arrest comes following thorough enquiries from teams across our New Forest district. Our local neighbourhood policing teams will continue to conduct additional patrols in the areas where incidents have occurred.

New Forest District Commander, Chief Inspector Scott Johnson, said: “These disturbing incidents have been upsetting for those who discovered them, and will be concerning for our wider community.

"Our investigation team have been working hard to review all the available evidence and this has enabled us to make an arrest today as part of our enquiries.

"We have been conducting both uniformed and plain clothes patrols and enquiries, and this will continue in the coming days, particularly in areas where incidents have occurred.

“If you see our officers while on their travels, please come over and speak to them. They’ll be on hand for you to share any information, raise any concerns and ask questions."