“LET’S catch the b******!” was how North Dorset’s MP responded to the running over of six sheep Friday night.

As previously reported, between 8pm on August 21 and 8am on August 22 an offender gained access to a field in the Sixpenny Handley area, where the animals were run over by a vehicle.

As a result a mixture of ewes and lambs were killed, with tyre marks left across their bodies.

Officers from Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team have appealed for information following the crime, with a spokesperson for the team describing the offence as “appalling”.

Posting on social media, North Dorset MP Simon Hoare also expressed his opinion on the matter: “Terrible. What scum would even think to do something like this and in my constituency too!

“Let’s catch the b******!”

In response to a councillor commenting on his language, the MP apologised, adding: “This wanton violence makes my blood boil.”

Patrols and investigation into the incident continue.

The spokesperson from Dorset Police ‘s Rural Crime Team said: “We are asking anyone who was driving in the area at that time to review any dash cam footage and get in contact if they have any information which may assist us.

“Likewise if anyone witnessed any vehicles or persons acting suspiciously in the area please get in contact.

“This is an appalling crime and we are asking that people help us spread the reach of this appeal.”

If anyone has more information or witnessed any vehicles acting suspiciously in the area contact Dorset Police via email to 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk quoting reference number 55200125905.