Two calves – thought to be targeted for the illegal meat market – have been killed during an attack by intruders at a farm.
Another two calves were badly injured during the raid and will now have to be put down, according to West Mercia Police.
The force confirmed to MailOnline that meat was taken from the two calves that were found dead.
The intruders harvested the cows at a site off Frankley Green Lane, Worcestershire, between 6pm on Sunday and 8am on Monday.
A trio of calves were also killed for their meat at a location near Egg Hill Lane on September 11 but attackers were interrupted before they could escape with the flesh. The force are now looking into whether these two cases are linked.
Two calves – thought to be targeted for the illegal meat market – have been killed during an attack by intruders at a farm (stock image)
The intruders harvested the cows at a site off Frankley Green Lane between 6pm on Sunday and 8am on Monday
Insp Tom Clayton, the lead for crime prevention in north Worcestershire, told the BBC that the attacks in the area were ‘very rare.’
He said: ‘It’s a very emotive crime both in terms of the animal welfare aspect, the fact that it’s people’s livelihoods and the fear it puts into the community.’
Insp Clayton added that the location has many routes ‘where criminals can come in and out quite quickly,’ which could be a reason behind why the area was targeted.
PC Dale Tomkins, Rural and Business Officer for North Worcestershire, said: ‘We would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activities around the Frankley Green Lane area overnight to contact us please.
‘It’s likely the offenders would have needed a reasonably sized vehicle, possibly even a van or pick-up, to make off with this quantity of meat.
‘Anyone who may have seen anything or has dashcam or CCTV footage should call 101 quoting reference number 91i of October 16.
‘Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-org.uk .
‘Furthermore, it goes without saying that if you are offered meat on the black market this is not only illegal, but you can also not be sure of its origins or quality so please do not buy it.’
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk
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