Dogs 'poisoned' in Isle of Wight woodland

A substance believed to be rat poison has been found throughout Parkhurst Forest on the Isle of Wight.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary says since February it has received a number of new reports of dogs falling ill after ingesting a substance in the woodland.

Dog walkers have reported seeing the poison when walking their dogs from the Marks Corner end of the Forest, but police say it could be found anywhere.

Neighbourhood officers are continuing patrols throughout Parkhurst Forest and contacting local stockists of rat poison. They are also working with the Forestry Commission. It's not the first time such incidents have been reported, following similar incidents in 2021.

Sgt Mark Radford said: "These incidents continue to cause concern to people who use the Forest, but most important of all is the harm this is causing to people's beloved pets.

"This is simply unacceptable, and our officers are patrolling the area and following up any available lines of enquiry."

The forest covers a vast area and Sgt Radford is urging anyone with information to come forward.

"The deposition of this poison has also been sporadic, so it is crucial that members of the public report anything they see or find to police", he added.