Detectives have described the death of a sheep who was shot in the eye as ‘shocking and cruel’.

An appeal has been launched after the animal was killed in a field off Lilley Bottom Road near the village of Whitwell at some point between 5.45pm on Friday and 9am on Saturday.

Police believe an unknown number of offenders drover along a private track to get into the field, before shooting the sheep with a gun.

Investigating officer PC Chris Suckling said: “This is a shocking incident which has resulted in the cruel and unnecessary death of a defenceless animal. “Thankfully incidents of this nature are rare in Hertfordshire and we are doing everything we can to find the person responsible.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the local area during the stated times and witnessed anything to please get in touch. Did you hear gun shots or did you see a vehicle that appeared out of place in the area? Any information you provide, no matter how seemingly insignificant could help me with my investigations.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Suckling on the non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number G1/15/466.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.