Police are appealing for information after the shocking killing of a protected badger.
They want help in tracking down three tracksuited skinheads spotted at the scene in Norcott Hill, Berkhamsted, at around 3pm on Monday, April 8.
The trio got out of a blue-grey estate car with one or more hub caps missing before heading to a nearby wooded area.
One of the men appeared to drag a badger along using cord or rope, but it is not known whether or not the badger was alive at this time.
Loud bangs were heard before the men drove away in an unknown direction.
The badger was later discovered dead and appeared to have been shot with a paintball gun.
The three suspects are believed to be in their 20s.
PC Simon Tibbett said: “This despicable crime led to a badger dying in a very painful and cruel way and we will not tolerate wild animals being treated in this manner.”
Call PC Tibbett on 101 if you recognise the car or men from the descriptions.