An investigation has been launched after a rare white stag was shot dead.

Officers from Kent Police's rural task force appealing for witnesses after the deer was found dead in Cobham Woods near Strood.

The latest discovery near Albatross Avenue on February 26 happened after another deer was also found dead on Tuesday, January 20.

Both animals were found with gunshot wounds to their face from what is being described as a "high-powered rifle".

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incidents, which are believed to have happened at night, or anyone who may have information about people or vehicles seen near the area on or near the dates of the incidents.

Rural Crime co-ordinator Douglas Robertson said: "The evidence from these two deer attacks would indicate that no other animals were used to hunt them and that they have been shot.

"The manner in which they were shot would have caused a significant amount of suffering to the animals and the use of a powerful firearm in a location accessible to the public presents a high risk to any other person in the area.

"We are working closely with partner agencies to identify those responsible. Anyone with information is urged to get in touch with us so we can investigate and hold those responsible to account."

In January, 2021, Matthew Nightingale posted on social media that he discovered the remains of a deer at Ranscombe Farm in Cuxton, explaining the body had been burned and it had been decapitated.

He said: "It is with a heavy heart I confirm our beloved white stag at Ranscombe has been shot and killed by trophy hunters.

'The manner in which they were shot would have caused a significant amount of suffering...'

"I heard rumours and went today to investigate and got the confirmation of the remains off what was left after they burnt the body. They removed the valuable head and antlers.

"This looks around two weeks or so old. If anyone has any CCTV on Poplicans or Nine Acres preferably near to the entrance to the woods, one evening a few weeks back I saw a modified 4x4 leaving the area with a group of men inside, it was after dark, well before midnight.

Anyone with information should call the north Kent appeal line on 01474 366149, quoting 26-0273. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form on its website.