23 sheep run over by gang on quad bikes

A gang of quad bikers have been wrecking havoc in Gloucestershire, reportedly smashing through gates at high speed, with 23 sheep being killed as a result.

There have been up to 30 incidents which have been reported in the last three weeks, according to Gloucestershire NFU.

Tanya Robbins, chairman of Gloucestershire NFU said the criminals are letting out livestock and driving at such speed they are causing criminal damage.

She said: "We are worried sick.

"Where incidents have been reported the police have come out and taken details, but the farmers are telling me they just haven’t heard any more.

"We want action. It’s got to be stopped.

"The police have got helicopters - I’d like to know where these people are coming from."

Gloucestershire Police’s rural crime office, Simon Clemett said is people know this criminal action is going on, they need to call the police and let them know.

He added: "We will be looking at prosecuting for criminal damage to property, including livestock that has been injured or killed.

"It’s not that we are not interested, we are very interested. But if people know this is going on and they’re not calling it in, I would urge them to do so."

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call Gloucestershire police on 101.