A college has expelled two pupils who were arrested after a “disturbing incident” where a sheep was killed.

The incident near Ditchling Beacon, believed to have occurred on November 2, allegedly saw a group of people pick up a sheep grazing on the Downs when it was picked up and kicked in the head.

Four students at Plumpton College were suspended, with two - aged 18 and 20, arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and criminal damage.

The pair, both from Kent, were released on conditional bail while police enquiries continue.

Plumpton College has now permanently excluded the two students who were arrested in connection with the "disturbing incident", with the other pupils withdrawn from their course “in order to safeguard student welfare and to preserve the integrity of the police investigation”.

Jeremy Kerswell, principal at Plumpton College, said: “We remain appalled by this incident and saddened by the impact that this has had on our other students, our staff and the wider community.

“We have always understood and mirrored the depth of feelings triggered by this incident which in no way represents our values and the high standards that we strive to achieve on a daily basis.

“Our thanks go to those who have supported us during this difficult time.

“We will of course reflect and learn from this experience and do all that we can to continue to educate our students in exemplary practices in animal welfare.”

A police investigation is still ongoing.

Sussex Police have been contacted for comment.