THE number of animal accidents in the New Forest has almost doubled compared with this time last year, it has been revealed.

Eighteen animals have been killed or injured on Forest roads since the start of January, nearly twice as many as the figure for the first few weeks of 2012.

Last year saw the lowest number of accidents since records began, but 2013 has got off to a bad start. The announcement was made at the monthly Court of Verderers, which urged drivers crossing the Forest to take extra care.

Sue Westwood, clerk to the Verderers, said 14 accidents occurred last month, more than twice the number recorded in February last year.

The total included four hit-and-run incidents.