'Psychopathic' killer shoots dead a third of a farmer's sheep herd in Essex

The injuries sustained by the gunshot wounds were so severe that a professional marksmen had to humanely euthanise the survivors
The injuries sustained by the gunshot wounds were so severe that a professional marksmen had to humanely euthanise the survivors

A third of a farmer's sheep herd has been found dead as Police fear they were killed by a 'psychopathic' killer wielding a gun.

The attack happened on Coxtie Green Farm in Brentwood, Essex during the evening of Monday February 6 at around 7pm.

Owners Mike and Maria Pereira drove down the fields at 8.30pm, it is then the couple discovered four of the sheep had been killed, with another four severely injured.

The injuries sustained by the gunshot wounds were so severe that a professional marksmen had to humanely euthanise the survivors.

There was also evidence that at least one of the sheep had been mauled by either a dog or a fox.

'Psychopathic individual'

Mike, 57, told the EssexLive: "We are shocked and horrified. The fact that you have some psychopathic individual or individuals running around our farm shooting is a great concern.

"We think we disturbed whoever it was. We don't know if they wanted to cause more damage."

The murdered sheep, whose bodies had to be disposed of by specialists, have belonged to the farm, on Coxtie Green Road, for the past five years.

Police attended the farm shortly after the bodies were discovered and the force's Rural Crime Team are currently investigating.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Enquiries are ongoing but anyone with any information should contact investigating officers on 101."