Second Teenager Arrested for Cruel Slaughter of Lambs at Bramley

Published on: 25 Jan, 2024
Updated on: 26 Jan, 2024

Two of the lambs killed on a Bramley farm.

A second teenager has been arrested following the incident in which 14 lambs were killed when a vehicle drove into a field on a farm in Bramley overnight between January 17 and 18.

A 19-year-old man of no fixed address has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

He was also arrested on suspicion of a second count of criminal damage, two counts of common assault and arson in relation to separate incidents. The final offence is in connection with a large fire that started in a barn at Tower Hill Farm in Gomshall on Saturday, 13 January.

The man has been released on police bail and the investigation remains ongoing.

Reacting to news of the second arrest, farmer Nick Hutley, who owned the lambs killed, said: “I was surprised and heartened by the public reaction and support. I have had messages from people all over the country, flowers have been sent to my office and staff in support.

“This horrific attack has resonated with many and I thank the news outlets for its coverage.

“Agriculture is still close to the general public’s hearts and I’m grateful for that. Farmers must cherish this link.

“The police have been professional and diligent and I thank them for their efforts. I would ask them to please, continue to take rural crime seriously and work to eradicate it.”

Mr Hutley wanted to stress that sympathisers should not jump to conclusions about the identity of those who committed the crime but allow the police investigation to run its course.

Cllr Jane Austin

Local councillor for Bramley and Wonersh Jane Austin (Con) said: “The cruel killing of these lambs is one of a series of worrying incidents locally which have shaken local people, so it is a relief to learn a second person has been arrested. I attended a community meeting with 55 local farmers held on Monday which demonstrates strength of feeling about this issue”

On Friday, 19 January, a 15-year-old boy from Redhill was arrested in connection with the death of the lambs in Bramley and the fire in Gomshall. He was released on bail pending further enquiries.

See: 15-year-old Arrested in Connection with Lambs Run Down on Bramley Farm