A police investigation has been launched after a large quantity of sheep guts were dumped in a road near Takeley.

Saffron Walden Reporter: The sheep remains were discovered in the Takeley area.The sheep remains were discovered in the Takeley area. (Image: Archant)

The discovery comes just a few weeks after more than 60 sheep were reportedly stolen from a field in Lindsey, near Hadleigh, in Suffolk.

Essex Police confirmed they had been made aware of the incident, with the gruesome discovery reported to officers yesterday (Wednesday).

The details have been passed to Suffolk Police, which is leading the investigation, and officers will now attempt to establish whether the dumped sheep are linked to the earlier theft.

The remains are understood to include sheep fleeces and innards.

Uttlesford District Council was also alerted to the incident and sent a team to remove the remains.

A spokesman for the district council said: “We were notified of a fly-tip of animal remains in the Takeley area. We understand the police have been notified and will investigate if appropriate, and our street services team are arranging for a crew to clear the roadside as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Essex Police on 101.

Alternatively contact the charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.