A Totton man has been arrested in connection with an incident where a number of dead animals were left outside a shop in Broughton.

Police were called on the morning of Friday, March 15, after around 50 dead hares, a kestrel and a barn owl were found outside the Broughton Community Shop, in High Street.

An investigation was launched and officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Country Watch team have been following various lines of enquiry.

A police spokesperson said: "Part of our enquiries have included examinations of the barn owl and kestrel. Those examinations revealed that both birds had been shot with a firearm. Both the kestrel and the barn owl are listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, giving them legal protection."

READ MORE: Dozens of dead animals dumped outside village shop as community left 'shocked'

On Thursday, March 28, officers arrested a 37-year-old man from Totton on suspicion of the following offences:

  • Criminal Damage
  • Night Poaching
  • An offence under the Public Order Act
  • Killing of a Schedule 1 bird
  • An offence under the Animal Welfare Act
  • Killing of Brown Hare in the closed season
  • An offence under the Firearms Act

He remains in police custody while police carry out enquiries.

SEE ALSO: Investigation continues after dead animals left outside community shop

Country Watch Sergeant Stuart Ross said: “Since this incident took place, we have been actively pursuing a number of lines of enquiry and working with partner agencies to establish the circumstances of what happened.

“We are grateful for the help we have received from the local community and we’d like to thank them for their patience while we investigate what happened.

“There may be some people with information who have not yet come forward, and if so, we would urge them to do so as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can report it by calling 101, quoting the reference number 44240111410, or via Hampshire Constabulary's website.