The RSPCA is appealing for information after witnesses reported seeing a man strike an injured deer on the head with a hammer.

RSPCA Inspector Jo Story is hoping to identify the man who used the tool to smash the deer’s skull in Grange Road, Creech, Wareham.

Shocked members of the public who witnessed the incident reported the matter to the RSPCA.

Jo said: “I have made enquiries with vets and the police and I’m really keen to speak to this person about using a hammer in this way.

“A vet has looked at the carcass and the skull is smashed in at the top, showing the deer is unlikely to have died instantly on the first blow.

“We have no idea who the man was but he described himself as ‘the deer man’ to members of the public in the area and was driving a white large van, which had a logo on the back door with writing.

He also had two brown dogs with him, including a spaniel type. He was white in his 20s or 30s.”

The incident took place on November 28 but details have just been released by the RSPCA.

. Anyone with any information should contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.

The RSPCA would urge anyone who spots a deer, or other wild animal, in distress to keep a safe distance and contact them on 0300 1234 999. More information about deer is available here: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/inthewild/deer