POLICE are still investigating a spate of horrific and sinister incidents in which a sheep was stabbed to death and at least three other animals suffered knife wounds.

Officers are mounting extra patrols amid fears that modern-day Satanists or cultists are at work in the New Forest, which locals say has a long history of ‘witchcraft’ continuing into the present day.

In the worst incident a ewe was knifed to death and marked with pentagrams – a five-pointed star often associated with occultism.

Police are investigating reports that another sheep in the Bramshaw area also suffered a fatal stab wound.

In other incidents a cow let out in the village returned with a wound on its neck and two calves grazing at Linwood, near Ringwood, suffered minor injuries to their shoulders.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher of the Countryside Alliance said: “The evil perpetrators of these horrific crimes must be severely punished.

“While it would appear that incidents of this nature are rare, it serves as an important reminder to local people and visitors to the Forest. They should be on high alert and report anything suspicious to the police.”

The National Farmers’ Union said it was “shocked” to learn of the incidents, which occurred between November 16-20.

Several people have taken to social media to condemn what they describe as “sickening” attacks on some of the Forest’s free-roaming animals.

They are all owned by people known as commoners – villagers with the right to let their livestock graze the area.

Last night police said there had been no developments in the investigation.

Anyone with information can contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101, quoting crime reference number 44190416137.