It is an ancient woodland where a secret society of witches allegedly met to practice magic eight decades ago.

But now a vicar fears modern-day Satanists may be slaying animals in Hampshire's New Forest National Park, after several sheep and cattle were stabbed there earlier this month.

One sheep was found dead with a cross and a pentagram, a symbol associated with magic, spray painted on to its body near the village of Bramshaw.

Days later, Reverend David Bacon was told that an inverted cross and the number 666 had been scrawled on the door of his church in the civil parish, St Peter's.

Rev Bacon said: "I've been told one of the symbols was a 666 which of course is a biblical sign of the devil, or Satan, so it could have [sinister overtones].

"I've been here 15 years and seen a lot of stuff, but nothing like this.

"It could just be kids, but I don't think it is, given the context.

"There's been witchcraft round here for hundreds of years - the New Forest is well known for witchcraft and black magic happening, and this has obviously gone up a level."

Judy Rudd, who has lived in the New Forest for 40 years, was out walking her two dogs in Bramshaw when she came across the dead sheep.