A Winchester man has been arrested in connection to several “occult” sheep killings in Hampshire.
Police have been investigating after a number of farm animals were killed since November, some were found with satanic symbols painted on them.
The 41-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of six counts of criminal damage.
A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “Officers investigating a number of sheep deaths in the New Forest have today arrested a man.
“A 41-year-old man from Winchester has been arrested on suspicion of six counts of criminal damage.
“They relate to the deaths of sheep in Wittensford Lane and Kewlake Lane, Cadnam, and Penn Road, Bramshaw.
“He remains in custody at this time.”
It comes after reports of three more sheep deaths in the New Forest just days ago.
The dead animals were found between the 16th and the 20th of January. Two of the sheep had suffered puncture wounds.
The deaths follow the discovery of an ewe in Kewlake Lane, Cadnam, on January 2 which had been stabbed to death and a cross made of hay along with a broken pitchfork were placed next to it.
Wendy Maughan, owner of Kewlake Farm, told the Southern Daily Echo: “I’m extremely saddened that we seem to live in a society where someone gets pleasure by attacking and stabbing to death innocent, non-aggressive animals.”
A sheep and two cows were also attacked as well as satanic symbols painted on the door of St Peter’s Church in Bramshaw in November.
Reverend David Bacon, the vicar at St Peter’s, said: “People are concerned. I’ve been here 15 years and seen a lot of stuff, but nothing like this.
“It could just be kids, but I don’t think it is, given the context.
“There’s been witchcraft round here for hundreds of years – the New Forest is well known for witchcraft and black magic happening, and this has obviously gone up a level.”
A Hampshire police spokesman added: “Targeted patrols of areas in the New Forest will continue.”
Additional reporting by agencies
