POLICE are warning motorists not to speed across Castlemorton Common, near Malvern, after a lamb was killed there.

The incident happened in the early hours of Friday, April 20, on the B4208, which crosses the common with no fencing or other barriers.

A statement from the police said: "This lamb was killed and just thrown on the side of the road, and when we attended, its mother came up to us clearly distressed and crying for her baby.

"She lost her first lamb as it was not strong enough to survive the rigours of life. Her second baby's life was taken by an irresponsible motorist who did not even have the decency to report what they had done and just tossed the lamb on the side of the common to be found by a resident.

"We are appealing to motorists to be more responsible and slow down along the common road. The road is a 60mph limit, but that does not mean that you have to do 60mph.

"During the summer months, many families take advantage of this beautiful piece of English countryside, and children and animals run freely together. Let's hope that the next casualty is not a child.

"The Safer Neighbourhood Team from Upton will be carrying out speeding spot checks and will be stopping those motorists who are driving irresponsibly."

Jonathan Bills, conservation manager of the Malvern Hills Trust (formerly Conservators) said: "The death of yet another animal from a car collision is sad news and another blow to the ancient tradition of commoners’ livestock grazing these open commons.

"At present, livestock can regularly be found on around 19 kilometres of roads on and near Castlemorton Common.

"Despite efforts by the police, highways and the trust, around eight animals are killed every year and five more injured by traffic collisions with, on average, three cars being written off.

"We would encourage motorists to take extra care at this location and to expect livestock anywhere and at any time."