Six children have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after a group were seen throwing stones at sheep in Hampshire.
Police are investigating following two incidents of animal cruelty, where sheep were injured at Alver Valley Nature Reserve in Gosport.
The team who run the park said sheep were left 'limping and bruised', and one even had a horn missing.
Officers were called shortly after 3:30pm on Tuesday 30 April to reports of objects being thrown at the animals around 1pm on the same afternoon.
Three children were seen in the area at the time.
On Wednesday 1 May shortly before 5:45pm, a second report was received of objects being thrown at the animals.
Officers attended, and as part of their enquiries six children have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and criminal damage.
Those arrested include a 12 year-old boy, three 13 year-old boys, and a girl and a boy who are both aged 14 years-old. They remain in custody at this time.
Enquiries are ongoing, and police are keen to hear from members of the public who may have seen what happened.
Sergeant Katie Clift from Gosport’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Alver Valley Nature Reserve attracts many people from across the area, especially when the weather is good. Did you see what happened or anyone acting suspiciously in the area? If so, please call 101 to let us know.
“Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team have regularly been patrolling the area and have been speaking to schools and other education groups to provide reassurance and progress our enquiries.”
