23 sheep killed by quad bikers in the Cotswolds

A gang of quad bikers has killed 23 sheep at a farm in the Cotswolds.

The National Farmers Union said up to 30 incidents have been reported over the last three weeks in a 30-mile square area around Cheltenham, Winchcombe, Andoversford and Northleach.

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Landowners claim four people on racing quad bikes are causing havoc, destroying equipment and killing livestock.

Farmer Toby Baxter, who has a farm near Cirencester, said 23 of his sheep have been killed.

Speaking to the Western Daily Press, he said: "Joyriders drove round the field at night and deliberately ran them over.

"Farm gates have been damaged by vehicles smashing through them at high speed.

"We suspect it was four high powered racing quad bikes.

"Everyone's seen them [the quad bike riders] - but you can't get anywhere near them."

According to the BBC, the chair of Gloucestershire NFU, Tanya Robbins, said: "Gangs appear riding quad bikes, riding flat out and driving cars, smashing though gates and electric fences - anything that's in their way.

"They're going through at such speed, they're causing criminal damage. They're also letting out livestock. We're worried sick."

Gloucestershire Police's rural crime officer, Simon Clemett, said he would be working closely with the NFU to try and find the bikers.

"We will be looking at prosecuting for criminal damage to property, including livestock that has been injured or killed," he said.


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