A police investigation has been launched after two badgers were found dead in a carrier bag on a village footpath near Peterborough.

Officers from Northamptonshire Police’s Rural Crime Team are appealing for witnesses after a member of the public made the discovery on Saturday, July 4, on a footpath, off Wansford Road in Yarwell.

Northamptonshire Police said that due to the circumstances in which the badgers were found, the Rural Crime Team would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in this area in the weeks leading up to the animals being discovered.

Rural Crime Officer PC Chloe Gillies said: “Badgers are protected by law, and it is an offence under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 to injure or kill a badger.

placeholder image — Police are appealing for witnesses

“The circumstances in which the badgers were found have understandably caused upset to the member of the public who discovered them as well as the wider wildlife community and we want to do all we can to find those responsible.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have information which could help identify the offenders. No matter how insignificant they believe it to be, please contact us as this could be the vital detail we need to assist our investigation.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Information can also be submitted online at www.northants.police.uk/R O and crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.

Please quote incident number 26000392884 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.