Totton man arrested after dead lambs and severed deer heads left in Bramshaw, Lyndhurst and Totton

A MAN has been arrested after deer heads and dead lambs were left at churches and on road signs across the New Forest.

As reported in the A&T, lambs with their throats slit were found hung from the side of St Theresa’s Church on Commercial Road in Totton and on top of a sign on Penn Common, Bramshaw. Police say another dead lamb was left on Pound Lane in Colbury.

Since November, there has been 12 similar incidents, including severed deer heads left at St Theresa’s Church and St Michael and All Angels Church in Lyndhurst.

Officers investigating the grisly incidents confirmed the arrest of a 47-year-old man from Totton on suspicion of two counts of criminal damage and 10 counts of religiously aggravated criminal damage. He was bailed until 2nd August.

Local police teams are continuing with additional patrols in the areas where incidents have happened.

New Forest district commander, Chief Inspector Scott Johnson, said: “These disturbing incidents have been upsetting for those who discovered them, and will be concerning for our wider community.

“Our investigation team have been working hard to review all the available evidence and this has enabled us to make an arrest today as part of our enquiries.

“We have been conducting both uniformed and plain clothes patrols and enquiries, and this will continue in the coming days, particularly in areas where incidents have occurred.

“If you see our officers while on their travels, please come over and speak to them. They’ll be on hand for you to share any information, raise any concerns and ask questions.”

The 12 incidents in relation to the arrest are:

• 4th November, B3058 Bashley Road – dead deer by a road sign

• 15th January, St Michael and All Angels Church, Lyndhurst – deer head left at church

• 4th February, Christ Church, Stoney Cross – dead deer left outside church

• 14th February, St Theresa's Church, Totton – deer head left outside church

• 27th March, Ringwood Road, Totton – deer head discovered

• 14th April, St Peter's Church, Bramshaw – dead lamb found outside church

• 17th April, St Theresa's Church, Totton – dead lamb located outside church

• 22th April, Church Hall, Beaumont Road, Totton – dead lamb on noticeboard

• 24th April, Colbury Church – dead lamb on tree stump

• 28th April, St Theresa's Church, Totton – dead lamb at the front of church

• 28th April, Colbury Church – dead lamb on tree stump

• 30th April, Pound Lane, Colbury – report of dead lamb