Police are hunting for a man who stole a sheep from its paddock and burned it to death in a wood.
The animal was found in woodland following the break in at Tilgate Nature Centre, Sussex, on October 2.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said it was possible the sheep was savaged by a dog before the body was set on fire.
He said: “It's possible that the sheep was attacked by a dog some time overnight or in the early morning after being taken from its paddock.
"The sheep was found burnt in the woods. This is a horrendous incident and we would appeal to anyone who has information to contact us. The centre has reported ongoing incidents of sheep worrying and we are looking into this."
Anyone with information can contact police by emailing 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, calling 101 or phoning the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
