Mystery after 13 lambs found dead with their necks ‘deliberately broken’

Police are hunting a suspect after more than a dozen dead lambs were found at a farm in a ‘barbaric’ crime.

Thirteen lambs were found with their necks ‘deliberately broken’ overnight in Rostrevor, Northern Ireland on Saturday.

Inspector Reynolds said: ‘We received a report that the lambs had been killed at a farm on Drumsesk Road at some point between 7pm on Friday, 13th March and 7.45am on Saturday, 14th March.

‘It appears that their necks had been deliberately broken.’

He added: ‘This is a shocking crime, and we would be keen to hear from anyone who noticed anything unusual in the area during the times above.

‘Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who can help should contact officers on 101, quoting reference 495 14/03/26.’

Marc Gibbons, an Independent candidate for the rural region, said: ‘Absolutely horrific and barbaric.

‘I am deeply saddened and angered to hear about the horrific killing of 13 lambs on the Drumsesk Road in Rostrevor.

‘This is such a beautiful and peaceful part of our countryside and to see something so cruel happen there is deeply upsetting. To do this to one lamb would be horrific, but to do it thirteen times is simply barbaric.

He added: ‘My thoughts are with the farmer and family affected by this senseless act of cruelty.

‘I would strongly appeal to anyone who may have information, dashcam footage or CCTV from the area to please contact the PSNI immediately.

‘Even the smallest detail could help identify those responsible.’

You can also contact Crimestoppers with 100% anonymity on 0800 555 111 or online.

This is a breaking news story… More to follow…