THREE donkeys have been killed this morning after they were struck by a van.

Police were called to an accident on Roger Penny Way this morning at around 7am. 

A van, from company La Chasse Limited, had struck the small herd of donkeys, with three animals dying. 

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: "We were called just after 7am today, 12 December, to reports of a collision on Roger Penny Way after a vehicle collided with three donkeys.

"Sadly, the donkeys were confirmed deceased on officer arrival. No persons were injured in the collision.

"It is not known at this time where the donkeys came from, or whether they were wild.

"Anyone with information can phone 101 with reference 44200478908."

Catherine Cotton, managing director at La Chasse Limited, said: "One of our drivers has been involved in an accident this morning at 6:55am.

"We extremely regret the event and are very much saddened that the accident resulted in the deaths of three donkeys.

"The police are involved and have confirmed that they are not treating this as a crime."

Hampshire Police have confirmed the incident is being treated as a collision and not a crime.