Police are this week appealing for information after the entrance of a badger sett was set on fire on St Boniface Down, Ventnor.
The incident was reported to the authorities on Monday. It appears that petrol was poured into the sett.
Sgt Richard Stapleton of Hampshire Constabulary said:
“We’d like to hear from you if you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area over the past few days.
“Did you see anyone with a red plastic petrol container? One was left behind at the scene and we think the person responsible may have suffered some injuries in committing this crime.”
“This is a particularly cruel and reckless action that could have caused extensive and unnecessary suffering. There is no evidence at this time to say any badgers were injured, but the person responsible clearly has no regard for wild animals.”
This incident follows an attempt to kill badgers at the start of the year, however Police are not treating the two incidents as connected to each other.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt Stapleton by phoning 101. Mini-com users can phone 18001 101. If you wish to remain anonymous, phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
