TWO cars left completely burnt-out on the bank of Hamble River have been removed by a Hampshire company.

Yesterday (October 26), Silverlake Automotive Recycling removed the two cars from Curbridge Nature Reserve.

Now the clean up for the site has begun with members of the National Trust helping with the clean up.

 

It follows the discovery of the two vehicles, which are believed to have been stolen during a burglary on a dealership, on the morning of October 24 on Curbridge Nature Reserve, Mottisfont.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning the vandals smashed the cars through two gates at Burridge before "joy riding" on the reserve and burning the two vehicles.

A barbed wire enclosure was also damaged making it unfit for holding livestock.

The reserve is owned by the National Trust which holds several designations including; Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA).

Catherine Hadler from the National Trust said: "It is a highly important area, it is an SAC and an SPA.

"We are trying to get it removed but its all cost and time to a charity.

"It just shows a massive disregard to wildlife- it is mindless vandalism.

"There have been lots of local people offering to help clear up the mess.

"You see the best of people but you also see the worst."

 

A social media user said: "A completely mindless thing to do.

"So sad to see such a special place be treated in this way."

A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: "We received a report at 8.19am on 24 October that two cars had been found burnt out at Burridge Recreation Ground.

"The vehicles, which were completely burnt out, were described as being a Chevrolet and a Kia Picanto.

"Damage was also caused to gates and fencing at the location.

"The vehicles are believed to have been stolen during a burglary at a dealership on Solomon’s Lane, Waltham Chase.

"This incident took place overnight on the 23 October.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information about either of these incidents is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44180399667.