Gunman hunted after lamb shot near Chard

The original incident saw a family in the Two Ash area left shocked and scared after one of their pet lambs was shot through the eye.

Now, Avon and Somerset Police are appealing to the public for witnesses after an incident in Sherborne in which a lamb was shot in a field overnight between June 11 and 12.

In both incidents, a high-powered rifle is believed to have been used.

A spokesman for the police said they currently “do not know” if the two incidents are linked.

When the first shooting happened, a vehicle was captured on CCTV in the area, with police hoping to speak to the owner of the silver Land Rover to help with their enquiries.

The vehicle has been described as being a Land Rover Discovery LR3 from between 2004 and 2009, with tinted windows, very dirty alloys and a dent on one of the doors.

It was caught on private CCTV owned by the family whose lamb died.

Following this latest incident, a spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We are appealing for information from the public following an incident near Sherborne.

“A lamb has been shot in a field near Sherborne, overnight June 11 and 12, with what is believed to be a high-powered rifle.

“If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Rural Crime Team either via the 101 number or by texting information to them on 07492 888109 and quoting reference number 5217131940.

“Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.”

Following the original incident, a police spokesman said: “We are appealing for witnesses to an incident on March 28 at 6.28pm which led to the shooting of livestock, namely one lamb, at a farm in Two Ash.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed event or may have any information which could help us.”

“Anyone with any information is advised to contact PC Alan Hollick at Chard police using crime reference number 5217068578.”