Over the past five weeks or so a number of foxes and badgers have been found dead in unexplained cicumstances in the Mile Oak Area.

About five weeks ago a fox was found dead at the rear of a premises in Mile Oak Road with no apparent reason for dying it was in good condition with with no signs of mange or other reason for its demise.

Since then three badgers have been found dead around the Southwick Hill Area adjacent to the lower footpath from Oakdene Crescent.

Another fox was found in similar circumstances in a garden at the rear of a property in Lark Hill at Hangleton.

The most recent fox was found dead in a garden at Southern Close last Thursday again with no obvious reason, a perfectly healthy looking animal.

Local animal lovers are deeply concerned as it could be one of the many dogs who exersice daily on the Hill DEFRA have been contacted but are so far reluctant to come out to take samples from a dead animal.

The local PCSO responsible for wild life is now involved in trying to get to the bottom of this problem

Anyone with any information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999.