A burnt out car has been found that is thought to be connected with the deliberate killing of sheep and lambs in a Dorset field.

A 17-year-old has already been arrested and charged in connection with the killing of 14 sheep and lambs in a field in the Tollard Royal area.

A driver deliberately mowed the animals down between 7pm on Sunday, July 17 and 6.15am the following morning.

Following extensive enquiries by the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, a 17-year-old boy from the Verwood area was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and inflicting unnecessary suffering to an animal.

He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

As part of the investigation, on Wednesday, July 20 a red Ford Focus MK1 was found burnt out in the Tidpit area of Hampshire.

Police Sergeant Lee Turner, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “Our enquiries are continuing into this incident and I am appealing to anyone who saw a red Ford Focus in unusual circumstances in Tidpit and surrounding areas to please come forward.

“I would also urge any member of the public with information to help our enquiries to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220115601.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.