Four teenagers allegedly tied up and killed lamb in Leeds as police launch investigation

A farmer has been left devastated after discovering one of her lambs had died after being tied up in a Leeds field - allegedly by four teenagers.
By Daniel Sheridan
Published 26th Apr 2021, 16:33 BST
Updated 26th Apr 2021, 16:34 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Emma Davenport, 27, was driving to check on her flock of more than 100 sheep on Howden Clough Road, Morley on Sunday evening when she spotted a group of four young teenagers.

After approaching the field, the teens fled.

However, Emma said she screamed as she discovered a small dead lamb tied up - with ligature believed to be from a rope-swing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
A farmer has been left devastated after discovering one of her lambs had died after being tied up in a Leeds field - allegedly by four teenagers.A farmer has been left devastated after discovering one of her lambs had died after being tied up in a Leeds field - allegedly by four teenagers.
A farmer has been left devastated after discovering one of her lambs had died after being tied up in a Leeds field - allegedly by four teenagers.

Emma called the police who have now launched an investigation into the reports and recorded the incident as a crime.

Speaking to the YEP, Emma said: "I go up to check on [the sheep and lambs] every day.

"I went up at about 6.30pm.

"As I got there, four lads jumped up and ran off.

"When I got nearer, I saw the lamb tied up with blue rope.

"The lamb had been killed and the rope had been used to tie it up.

"I was screaming when I saw it.

"It had not been dead long, it was still warm.

"I am devastated."

Emma said this was the first incident of its kind against any of her livestock.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said dog attacks were much more common but had been left disgusted at the incident.

She added: "When you go check on them, you expect them to be up bouncing.

"But they were upset.

"The lamb had been tied up.

"People are saying the rope was from a rope swing in the woods nearby.

"I don't know of any other incidents like this happening to anyone I know."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Enquiries are underway following a report of a lamb being killed on a farm in Morley on Sunday evening.

"Police were called to farmland off Howden Clough Road at about 6.33pm on Sunday April 25 to a report a group of four teenagers had killed a lamb.

"Officers attended and conducted an area search of the surrounding area.

"A crime has been recorded regarding the incident and investigations are ongoing today by the Leeds Outer South NPT.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Anyone who has information which cold assist the investigation is asked to contact the Outer South NPT on 101 referencing crime number 13210203987 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat Reports can also be made in complete anonymity to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."