EIGHTEEN lambs are believed to have been shot at a Hampshire farm before their bodies were taken away.

It is the second time the farmer in Fordingbridge has suffered a suspected theft of the animals after four were taken earlier in the year.

Police believe that someone may have use a high-powered rifle to shoot the animals in the field before collecting them.

Information is being sought from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in fields in the Fordingbridge area last week.

Hampshire Constabulary is asking anyone with information to contact the force on 101, quoting reference number 44150293538.