GLOUCESTERSHIRE Constabulary are appealing for information following the killing of deer on land in the Forest of Dean.

A member of the public came across a horrific scene on farm fields between Staunton and Upper Redbrook where he found the mutilated remains of what appears to be a family of deer; both young and older adults.

The heads and limbs of the animals had been cut off and the bodies taken away. It’s believed this is the work of poachers who have killed the animals and taken the meat to sell.

Forest of Dean Inspector Steve Chester said: "This horrific incident has been brought to our attention and we will be investigating. These barbaric acts of animal cruelty are totally unacceptable and must be stopped.

"We would be grateful for any help the public can give us to find these poachers. We are asking the public to be vigilant in rural locations and report anyone suspicious and take note of suspicious vehicles."

Please call 999 if a wildlife crime is in progress and 101 if you suspect a wildlife crime has been committed.