Horrified dog walkers discovered a decapitated deer with a firework inserted inside the carcass, calling whoever is responsible "psychotic."

The animal's hind legs were tied together with the removal of the head "badly done," possibly with a dull blade.

Police are now investigating as residents told them they heard fireworks in the early hours.

A passer-by said the gory scene is the "height of anti-social behaviour" and surmised that someone was trying to "blow up" the poor creature.

The deer's corpse was discovered shortly after 8am on Toldford Hill, Etchinghill, near Folkestone in Kent on New Year's Day.

The animal's carcass had been partially covered by a road sign, and there were traffic cones and other used fireworks scattered about.

The body lay close to a byway that stretches down to the A20 over land owned by the Ministry of Defence.

The area is a popular spot for 4×4 enthusiasts, who are entitled to use the public byway, but often also annoy neighbours by going "off-piste" and churning up the area around.

Nearby residents reported hearing fireworks going off in the area at around 2am that morning.

The matter has been reported to the police and the deer's body has now been removed.

One passer-by said: "We couldn't tell what sort of animal it was at first, because it had no head, but we shortly realised it was a deer.

"There was no sign of the deer's head, so whether it was killed elsewhere and brought here we don't know. There aren't any deer in the area normally.

"We can only hope it was dead before they abused it as they did."

The woman added: "I sometimes go around the area picking up rubbish.

"But with this incident with the deer, it is the height of anti-social behaviour.

"It's psychotic. It's not what you want to find on your walk with the dogs.

"I didn't see the head, but it looked from the neck that it was badly done. If a butcher had done it, it would have been a neater job.

"I'm assuming someone took it as a trophy or to blow it up. I don't really want to know."

A Kent Police spokesperson said: "We were called at 8.21am on Saturday January 1 to a report that a dead deer had been found in Westfield Lane, Etchinghill.

"Officers attended the scene and the RSPCA were informed. Inquiries are ongoing."

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