POACHERS are shooting deer in some of Gosport's most scenic woodland, it has been revealed.

Two carcasses have been found in as many months in The Alver Valley. But police and Gosport council countryside officers fear the death toll could be higher.

"We only know of those which die by the carcasses we find. But poachers might remove them so we just don't know the exact number," said Pat Pattinson, the council's assistant countryside officer.

"The poachers are shooting the deer out of greed, selling it on illegally and endangering people's lives."

He added: "In the last month alone there have been several reports of individuals carrying rifles around on local countryside sites. These incidents are not only damaging to local wildlife but also represent potential hazards to other countryside users."

There are between 18 and 24 deer belonging to the roe species at any one time in the Alver Valley.

PC Andy Sparshott, wildlife liaison officer at Gosport police said the police were aware that deer were being butchered for their meat and urged anyone with any information to come forward.

"The poaching of the deer is something that we are very concerned about and we are trying to establish whether there is any pattern.

"Some people living nearby are hearing gun fire in the early hours of the morning."

Mr Pattinson also condemned the increase in fly tipping, motor cycle scrambling and general vandalism in Gosport's woodland areas.

If you find any carcasses, hear gunfire or have any information about deer poaching call Gosport's wildlife liaison officer, PC Andy Sparshott on 0845 045 4545.