The charity Crimestoppers is appealing for information about those responsible for killing a calf in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, on Tuesday 24 May.

The three-day-old calf, a Limousin cross-breed shorthorn, had been stabbed through the eye with a screwdriver. The calf was dead when discovered by farmer Basil King's son in a field in Bromholme Lane, Brampton.

Mr King, of Rector Farm, Godmanchester, has offered a reward of up to £2000 through Crimestoppers for information leading the arrest and conviction on the person/s responsible for the attack.

A "brutal killing"

Ann Scott, Regional Manager for Crimestoppers in the East of England, said: "England is a nation of animal lovers. I'm sure many people are as outraged as I am about the brutal killing of this young animal.

"We are appealing for anyone with information about this crime to come forward. Those who don't feel comfortable speaking with the police can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is a charity and those that contact us will not have to give a statement or appear in court."

No fingerprints available

Mr King said: "It is absolutely horrific. My son went out to check the cattle and found the three-day-old calf with a screwdriver sticking out of its eye. It had been driven right into the brain.

"He got there about 10pm and the body was still warm, so it probably happened about an hour earlier."

No fingerprints could be found on the screwdriver as the calf's mother had been licking it in an effort to help the injured animal.

Mr King has had three calves stolen from his land over the past year.

How you can help

If you have information about this crime, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers via our anonymous online information giving form, but information passed to us via this form will not be eligible for the reward.

Above: Farmer Basil King with the calf that was killed