Appeal after badger sett destroyed

By Elizabeth Reeve

POLICE are appealing for information and witnesses after a mature badger sett in Albury was destroyed.

Officers believe the culprits dug around the entrances of the sett in Albury End Wood to cave them in, killing any animals inside.

It is also possible that some form of low explosive, like that used as a form of pest control, was involved in the attack, which happened during the last two months.

PC Paul Scott, of Buntingford police, said: “We are urging anybody who remembers anything suspicious in this area over the last few months to call us. Any information, however, insignificant, could help with our investigation.

“This is a disgusting crime and we are working hard to identify the offenders.”

Sgt Jamie Bartlett, wildlife crime co-ordinator for Herts police, said the force was working closely with a number of organisations including Natural England, a badger group and a local ecological company as they investigate and gather evidence.

He added: “We have a very good working relationship with the Crown Prosecution Service who have a designated wildlife crime lawyer and we will be working together to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.”

Herts police can be contacted on 0845 3300 222.