Rare breed fatally shot on farm

Mr O'Conor brought his first alpacas over from Chile 10 years ago

An East Sussex farmer has said he fears for the safety of his staff and livestock after one of his alpacas was shot and left to die.

A high-powered air rifle was used to shoot the rare breed twice in the head at Glyndbourne Farm last Thursday.

Farmer Philip O'Conor described it as an "utterly pointless and callous act on peaceful animals".

Mr O'Conor has a 2,000-strong herd of alpacas, which come from South America and are farmed for their fleeces.

Farm worker Alex Harrington-Smith said the shooting had cast worry over the entire farm.

"It was shocking and it just guts you to see it.

"We make night checks and we're fearful of someone driving up and doing the same sort of thing again."

Mr O'Conor said the alpaca which died - called Cinnamon - was a great loss as she was one of the original animals brought over from Chile to set up the herd 10 years ago.