We’re continuing to investigate after a number of dead animals were left outside the Broughton Community Shop.

The bodies of around 50 dead hares, as well as a kestrel and a barn owl, were found outside the store in High Street on the morning of Friday 15 March.

We are actively progressing all lines of enquiry to identify those offenders, and today our Neighbourhood Policing Team officers carried out further reassurance patrols to speak with people in the village.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to report it by calling 101, quoting the reference number 44240111410, or via our website.

Country Watch Sergeant Stuart Ross said: “We know the effect this incident has had on the local community.

“To be clear, mindless criminal acts such as this one will not be tolerated.

“Those responsible will face the full force of the law and consequences for their actions.

“Crime in our rural communities can have a huge impact on the residents who live there, and on the countryside in general.

“Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has a dedicated team of officers called Country Watch, whose main priority is to disrupt and tackle the crimes affecting our rural communities.

“We have a strong network of partners spanning the entire county, and together we deal with matters across the spectrum of rural offending, from organised criminal gangs who steal farming equipment, to offences on the river network and crimes against wildlife.

“As well as this specialist team of rural crime officers, our Neighbourhood and District Policing teams also work within these rural communities.

“Our main message to the public is to continue to report these crimes and incidents that occur. If you see any suspicious activity, vehicles or people in your area please get in touch. Your information could assist us in building our intelligence picture to then effectively deploy our resources to disrupt and target those involved in rural crime.”

For more information on rural crime, including crime prevention advice, please visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/