An animal charity has launched an investigation after three alpacas – one pregnant – were found beaten to death on a farm in Great Missenden.

The owners of Pleasance, Gabriella and four-month-old Raggamuffin, Lesley and Andrew Sapsford, say they have been left heartbroken after the attacks and are worried for their remaining 80 alpacas, who live on a farm in Little Kingshill.

Pleasance and Gabriella – who was pregnant – were found dead in their shelter last Saturday (January 6), while Ragamuffin was found dead the following day.

Their bodies were taken to a vet who carried out a post-mortem exam, which showed that they had all suffered blunt force trauma.

Lesley said: “Somebody has purposely done this and they did it in the shelter so that they could not be seen. We are heartbroken and devastated - we can’t believe that anybody would be so cruel.

“At this time of year there isn’t any grass on the field so we feed them concentrate, which means they would have seen someone coming onto the field thinking that they were going to be fed.

“Our alpacas have never been treated badly by a human before. We can’t process the evilness of it all. We’re so worried about our other alpacas now. Whoever has done this could do it again.

“If anyone saw anything, heard our alpacas screaming, saw any strange cars - anything at all which would give us a lead – please report it to the RSPCA or the police.”

RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith, who is investigating, said: “This is a sickening act of cruelty which has left the owners devastated. It is very concerning that someone would think it acceptable to do this to an animal.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who has any information at all which could help us in our investigation.”

Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018.