UPDATE:

More than 100 dead lambs were dumped on a farm in Radlett - with their throats cut and ears removed in an horrific crime.

It is believed 101 lambs, which were in bags, were dumped in a field on Hill Farm between 3pm on Thursday (April 7) and 3.45pm on Friday (8 April) after culprits found out the owners of Hill Farm were away on holiday.

It is understood that a walker came across the decomposing bodies which had also been skinned.

PC Mike Morris from the Bushey and Radlett Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "This incident has understandably caused some concern in the rural community and we are keen to find out where the lambs came from and who is responsible for this.

"We believe that the suspect(s) would most likely have used a road named 'Kemprow' to access the farm. If you believe you may have witnessed any suspicious activity in this area, I urge you to make contact as soon as possible." 

PC Richard Donbavand from Hertfordshire Constabulary's specialist Rural Operational Support Team (ROST) said: "This is being treated as flytipping until we know more about how and why the lambs came to be there.

"We believe a truck ranging from a flat-bed to a box van in size may have been used to carry the lambs so would reiterate the appeal for anyone who may have seen a vehicle like this in the area during the times stated, to contact police. 

"We have been liaising with the National Farmers' Union following this incident and are aware that this may be cause for concern for local farmers. If that's the case they can contact the ROST team via [email protected]. Taking steps to ensure your land is secured, such as locking all gates, will help to prevent access to your land but there's other advice we can give." 

If you have information about this incident, please email PC Morris at [email protected], report information online, use online web chat, or call non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference 41/27785/22.