About 50 animal carcasses strewn outside community shop as second man questioned

Police questioned another man after around 50 animal carcasses were found strewn outside a community shop.

On March 15, the carcasses of a hare, barn owl and kestrel were discovered outside a community shop in the picturesque Hampshire village of Broughton.

Last month, a decapitated deer was found near a primary school in a nearby village.

Previously, a 37-year-old man was arrested and questioned in connection with the incident and was later released on bail.

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that a 27-year-old man from the Hayes area was also being questioned.

A police spokesman said: “Police have questioned another man in connection with an incident where an animal carcass was left outside a shop in Broughton.

On the morning of Friday, March 15, police were called to reports that around 50 dead hares, a kestrel and a barn owl had been found outside Broughton Community Shop on High Street.

“As part of the investigation, officers from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight National Watch Team have been following various lines of inquiry.

“As previously stated, police arrested a 37-year-old man from Totton on Thursday, March 28, on suspicion of a number of offences, including criminal damage, wildlife and firearms offences.

“He was subsequently released on police bail with conditions until Friday, June 28, pending further enquiries.

“Yesterday (Tuesday, April 9) a 27-year-old man from Hythe voluntarily attended a police station and was interviewed under caution. He remains under investigation.

“Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances of this incident.”

Police said examinations of the barn owls and kestrels – both of which are protected by law – revealed the birds had been shot.

The store’s treasurer said the owl and kestrel were “stuffed” on the door handle and the windows were smeared with blood.

In February, 25 wild animal carcasses were found near a primary school on Dennis Road, in the village of Albridge, six miles from Broughton.

The carcasses of pheasants and hares were found along with “decapitated deer,” local newspapers reported.