Badger sett destroyed to create illegal bike trail

The sett has been destroyed and excess soil used to create jumps, police said

More than 50 trees have been felled or damaged and a badger sett destroyed to create an illegal bike trail in woods in Warwickshire.

The "wanton destruction" at Newbold Comyn was discovered close to official trails in the woods.

Offenders dug out the sett to create a 2m (7ft) hole and used the excess soil to create jumps, Warwickshire Police's rural crime team said.

"This is possibly the single worst report of illegal sett destruction that the team have attended," a spokesperson said.

Trees have been cut down, damaged or had limbs removed

Officers said they were investigating several leads to identify those responsible and appealed to anyone with information to contact the force.

"This wanton destruction of woodland and habitats sits approximately 50m (164ft) away from the official Newbold Comyn bike trails," the spokesperson continued.

"It's totally unnecessary for this to have happened considering the amazing facilities that are available on the Comyn for riders to enjoy.

"We fully appreciate that the majority of trail riders will be equally disgusted by this incident and it doesn't represent the community that enjoys the Comyn."

The area has been sealed off

Dozens of trees have been felled or had branches torn off, with others having markings carved into the bark.

The area has been cordoned off to prevent anyone being injured, "as its clear the works have been carried out without any consideration for other users of the space" and will continued to be monitored, police added.