Police hunt sickos who set fire to hedgehog

Officers are searching for those behind the discovery of a dead hedgehog which they suspect had been deliberately set ablaze at a woodland entrance. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the horrific discovery at the entrance to Ham Woods in Plymouth on the morning of Thursday, July 31.

The defenceless animal reportedly sustained wounds consistent with being deliberately set on fire. The British hedgehog has been classified as 'vulnerable to extinction' since 2020.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "We have been made aware after the remains of a deceased hedgehog were located at the entrance to Ham Woods in Plymouth on the morning of Thursday 31 July.

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"Tragically, the animal was identified to have suffered injuries consistent with being set alight. The actions believed to have taken place during this offence will not be tolerated and those identified to be responsible will be dealt with robustly.

"Where possible, we will be conducting high visibility patrols around the area as we continue to investigate the offence of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

"If you witnessed the incident or have any information that could assist with our enquiries, please contact us via our website or by calling 101 quoting crime reference number 50250197745.

"Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at its website or by calling freephone number 0800 555111."

The hedgehog population is currently in rapid decline, with at least half lost from Britain since 2000. They are safeguarded by British law under Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to kill or capture them using certain methods.

They also enjoy protection in Britain under the Wild Mammals Protection Act (1996), which prohibits cruelty and mistreatment, while similar protection exists in Northern Ireland under Schedule 6 and 7 of the Wildlife Order 1985.