A FLOCK of pheasants in Arborfield have been massacred in their pen.

The attack is the latest in a string of seven attacks that police say could be linked.

Between Friday, October 27 and 29, offenders drove onto an estate on Milkingbarn Lane on quad bikes.

There they shot a number of birds in their pens, stealing some whilst others were left behind.

In the past three months estates in Ufton Nervet, Thatcham and Aldermastion have all been targeted.

Sargeant Alan Hawkett, from the Bucklebury/Downlands Rural Crime Team said: “These offences have taken place in remote locations where it has been difficult to progress normal lines of enquiry. However, we are working with landowners to find ways of protecting their property.

“We would like to hear from anyone who knows anything about these incidents. Anyone with information should contact the Thames Valley Police 24 hour enquiry line on 101."

The first attack took place on August 14 and saw pheasants killed in their pens at Ufton Nervet. The next attack was just eight days later in a similar location.

The final attack in Ufron Nervet took place a month later between, Saturday, September 26 and Sunday 27.

Cattle and nine birds were killed on land off Lawrences Lane in Thatcham on Wednesday, September 30.

Some 17 birds in land off Marlston Road in Thatcham were targeted on Thursday, October 8.

More than 50 birds were killed and fire extinguishers set off in Aldermaston just two days later.