North Yorkshire Police Rural Task Force are investigating an incident  which involves the killing of sheep on farm land near Whaston near Richmond which has been reported to us:- 

Overnight over night on 17th November 2024 persons have entered a field near to Stoney Bank and have killed a sheep using a sharp blade to remove the sheep's head completely. The sheep was discovered in the field by a passer by who notified the landowner shortly after 3pm on 18th November 24.

It is quite evident from the photographs that this is a very clean cut and not a result of being ravaged by another animal, The images are too graphic to be shared on this page, needless to say the killing appears to be an act of malice which serves no real purpose and has resulted in the unnecessary destruction of an otherwise healthy animal. At this time we are unaware of any motive for the heinous act  and will appeal to anyone with information to help with this enquiry. 

Do you have any information which would assist North Yorkshire Police in finding those responsible and help keep your community safe?  

• Did you or anyone who you live with, hear or see anything around the above time and date? 
• Do you have any CCTV coverage capturing the incident, or anything happening on the street before or after? 
• Do you have a vehicle with a dash-cam parked in the area? 

If you can assist, please call 101 quoting reference 12240211252

You can also email Gary.smithowen@northyorkshire.police.uk 

If you need any crime prevention or security advice, please use the following link https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/   

Contacts

Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111

Supporting Victims – 01904 669276