Broughton animal dumping follows other similar incidents

Shop volunteers found the "devastating" scene as they showed up for work on Friday

Police are "keeping an open mind" regarding possible links between a spate of dead animal dumping incidents in Hampshire.

The bodies of about 50 dead hares, a barn owl and a kestrel were dumped outside Broughton Community Shop in Stockbridge on Friday.

It follows a similar incident outside the nearby Awbridge Primary School in February.

Forty dead animals were also dumped near Stockbridge in November 2023.

Warning: This story contains graphic images that some readers may find upsetting.

Pheasants, chickens and hares were among 25 animal carcasses chucked in the road outside Awbridge Primary School, just outside Romsey, whilst 40 animals were found dumped on Longstock Road, north of Stockbridge.

The incident near Stockbridge was believed to have been linked to hare coursing.

Police said there were no active lines of inquiry in either case, with them both being filed pending any further information.

There had been a public outcry after pictures of the scene circulated on social media

Volunteers for Broughton Community Shop found the animals scattered outside their building.

On Sunday, police investigating the incident found a burnt-out Suzuki Grand Vitara believed to be linked to the crime.

There had been a public outcry after pictures of the scene circulated on social media.

Shop treasurer Mike Hensman said it had been "devastating" for workers, whilst conservationist Chris Packham said on X the incident was "horrific on so many levels".

Fellow wildlife TV presenter Megan McCubbin - Mr Packham's stepdaughter - called the act "heart-breaking" and "barbaric".

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, she said she knew how it felt "to be attacked in that manner", having had dead animals left outside her home.

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