Sheep killed after vehicle is driven into farmer’s field

We’re investigating an incident in which seven sheep died in a field between Boroughbridge and Knaresborough.

We believe a vehicle – probably a 4x4 - was deliberately driven over the perimeter fence and at the animals.

It happened on the outskirts of Staveley, heading towards Minskip, overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday (12 to 13 November).

The suspect drove around 200m down a farm track off Minskip Road before leaving the track and driving in a figure-of-eight in the field.

The farmer discovered the dead sheep at around 10am on Wednesday and a vet was called.

Seven died in the incident, which appears to be random, and the rest of the flock was found in a distressed state.

We have launched a criminal investigation and have been carrying out enquiries in the area.

As part of this, we are appealing for any information about the incident, the vehicle involved which may have wool attached to it, or any CCTV or dashcam footage of a 4x4 vehicle in the area around the time of the incident.

Please contact PC Paxton by emailing [email protected] or calling us on 101, selecting option 2 and asking for PC Joseph Paxton.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or share information via their website.