Two students from a farming college have been arrested after a sheep was “blown up with a firework while still alive”.
The incident at Plumstead College in West Sussex saw four students pick up the sheep and kick its head, before splitting it open and stuffing it with a firework, according to a local farmer.
Two students, aged 18 and 20, have been arrested in connection with the incident, on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and causing criminal damage.
The pair, both from Kent, have been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Plumstead College has expelled two students in connection with the incident which took place on November 2, with further students withdrawn from their courses “in order to safeguard student welfare and preserve the integrity of the police investigation”.
Farmer Michael Lunn, from nearby Hadlow Down told MailOnline: “It was the most horrific example of animal cruelty.”
Jeremy Kerswell, principal at Plumpton College, said in a statement: “We remain appalled by this incident and saddened by the impact that this has had on our other students, our staff and the wider community.
“We have always understood and mirrored the depth of feelings triggered by this incident which in no way represents our values and the high standards that we strive to achieve on a daily basis.
“Our thanks go to those who have supported us during this difficult time.”
He added: “We will of course reflect and learn from this experience and do all that we can to continue to educate our students in exemplary practices in animal welfare.”
Superintendent Rachel Swinney of Sussex Police said the incident was being taken “extremely seriously”.
She said: “We have engaged with the college, which has taken its own internal disciplinary measures and is fully supporting our investigation.
“We have also engaged with the owner of the sheep, local farmers and the wider community to provide reassurance and advice.”
