Dog walkers out on a New Year's Day stroll made a horrendous discovery when they found a decapitated deer.

Shortly after 8am, they discovered the animal's body with its hind legs tied together and a firework inserted inside it.

One of the shocked walkers, who found the animal on Tolsford Hill, Etchinghill near Folkestone, said: "We couldn't tell what sort of animal it was at first, because it had no head, but we shortly realised it was a deer."

The animal's carcass had been partially covered by a road sign, and there were traffic cones and other used fireworks scattered about.

The body lay close to a byway which stretches down to the A20 over land owned by the MoD.

One woman said: "There was no sign of the deer's head, so whether it was killed elsewhere and brought here we don't know. There aren't any deer in the area normally.

"We can only hope it was dead before they abused it as they did."

'There aren't any deer in the area normally'

The area is a popular spot for 4x4 enthusiasts, who are entitled to use the public byway, but often also annoy neighbours by going "off piste" and churning up the area around.

One of the women said: "I have been complaining to KCC to do something about them for years, but nothing happens."

Nearby residents reported hearing fireworks going off in the area at around 2am.

The matter has been reported to the police and the deer's body has now been removed.

Police said: "We were called at 8.21am on Saturday to a report that a dead deer had been found in Westfield Lane, Etchinghill.

"Officers attended the scene and the RSPCA were informed. Inquiries are ongoing."