Mystery over 'sinister' acts of dead animals deliberately left at St Peter's Church in Bramshaw

A BRAMSHAW vicar has urged locals to stay vigilant after dead animals were left at the church.

The 12th century St Peter’s Church, on Judds Hill, Bramshaw, has been targeted twice in recent weeks, which the Rev. David Bacon said was "upsetting".

He told the A&T: "There was a dead cat left [on Monday] which was found by someone coming to clean the church. I did not see it but was told it was hanging from the flagpole.

"There was also a dead fox left a few weeks ago. It was deliberately placed; I think it is unlikely that it died there [naturally] on the church doorstep."

He said it was "hard to tell" who was responsible, adding: "Living where we do, the New Forest has always been known for witchcraft, but this seems a bit more sinister."

The Rev. Bacon said the discovery of the animals had been "upsetting" for the people who found them and those who had to dispose of them.

He added he was asking locals to remain vigilant.

It is not the first time the church has been targeted.

As reported in the A&T, vandals in 2019 sprayed the church walls with phallic and Satanic symbols.

Later that year police launched an investigation after sheep and cattle were found stabbed and sprayed with occult markings in the space of five days within a few miles of each other in the Bramshaw area.

The Rev. Bacon added: "Whether it is related to that or not, we just don't know. It could just be someone who is angry at the world or just after some publicity."

The incidents have been reported to the police. The A&T has approached Hampshire Constabulary for comment.