Police probe deer poaching spate

Police have appealed for help to tackle a spate of illegal deer poaching at woodland in Nottinghamshire.

Four deer have been found dead or badly hurt after being shot at Greasley and the Moorgreen Reservoir near Eastwood.

Farmers have also found pools of blood and drag marks there, which they say indicates a number of other deer may have been shot and taken.

Officers would now like to speak to people who have suddenly been offered cuts of venison.

'Slow death'

Police believe a small group of people using a 4x4 vehicle are responsible for the offences.

Pc Paul Toon said: "Deer poaching and other types of wildlife crime are just as serious as other criminality and this recent spate is a cause of concern for the police.

"The offenders doing this have been using a small calibre rifle, which is injuring deer but leaving them to suffer a slow agonising death.

"Heavily pregnant females are being shot along with any other, which might be thought to be an easy target."