POLICE are appealing for information after a sheep was shot and killed near Coleford.

The incident happened between 9am and 11am on Saturday, May 14 as the ewe was grazing on land between Speech House and Parkend.

She was shot with a weapon, thought to be a cross bow and arrow which struck the animal’s behind.

The sheep died from its injuries and the offender removed the weapon and the sheep’s ear tag.

Inspector for the Forest of Dean Steve Chester said “This is a truly awful crime where in innocent defenceless animal has been brutally killed.

“I would urge anyone who may have witnessed this incident or knows who carried this out to contact us immediately on 101 or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Anyone with information on this incident should call police on 101, quoting incident number 277 of May 14.