POLICE are investigating another 'field butchery' raid, this time on a farm in Wales, where four sheep were stolen and slaughtered – then their hides and heads dumped nearby.

Farmer Lee Pritchard, who runs Cwm Carno Farm, near Rhymney, with business partner Lorraine Howells, discovered the remains of his sheep near the main road, while doing his rounds of the fields last Monday.

Taking to social media to highlight the crime, Mr Pritchard said: "As if a farmer's job isn’t hard enough as it is. We have had two ewes and a lamb killed and butchered from the hill.

"It is heart-breaking to know that these poor animals who we as farmers work hard to ensure they are in the best health, have just been killed probably for dog food by some low life scum that think its funny to harm animals in such ways. A lesson is needed for the scumbags that done this!"

An early lesson might be had from the eating of the meat – the Cwm Carno flock had been treated with a pour-on treatment to deter flies, and still had three weeks left of withdrawal period, meaning that the meat would be classed as unfit for human consumption.

A Gwent Police spokesman said: “Between 7pm on Sunday August 11 and 3.30pm on Monday August 12, it is thought that unknown offenders killed four sheep, including two lambs. It is believed that these animals were killed for their meat.

“Officers would like to warn those who may wish to consume the meat from these animals that they have recently been vaccinated, and if eaten can cause illness. Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 quoting log 316 of 12/8/19. Alternatively, you can direct message Gwent Police on Facebook or Twitter.”