Armed Police Sent To Marwell After Break In And Objects Thrown At Animals

Three men and a woman were arrested overnight after reports of a break-in at Marwell Zoo during which objects were thrown at animals.

Armed police officers, a helicopter and a dog unit were deployed during the incident.

Three males in their early 20s from Gosport are in now in police custody on suspicion of burglary.

A fourth individual, a 21-year-old female, was arrested on suspicion of aiding & abetting the suspects, after police intercepted her vehicle trying to leave the area with the males on board.

This image was taken by an armed response officer using Night Vision during the police search of Marwell and shows one of the resident Marwell Cheetahs who was keeping a wary eye on the police Dog

A police spokesperson said: “Police are aware that video and images of some of the animal abuse was shared via social media, if you have any information in relation to this, please contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101, quoting reference 44210057948.”