FIVE fox cubs have been found dead in woods outside Ashburton, police have revealed.

It’s believed the creatures may have been killed earlier this month in Ausewell Wood by hunters with another animal.

A police spokesman confirmed: ‘We are investigating this as an illegal act under the Hunting Act 2004 which states it is illegal to hunt a wild mammal with dogs.’

Anyone with information about the slaughter - or who may have seen suspicious activity in the area at the beginning of the month - should ring police on 101.

The grim discovery was made on January 8.