AN accident in which three New Forest donkeys were killed is thought to be the worst in the area for 20 years.

Police have launched a hit-and-run investigation after the animals were hit by at least two vehicles - one of which failed to stop.

As reported by the Daily Echo, one donkey was killed instantly and the other two were so badly injured they had to be destroyed.

The Verderers, the organisation in charge of Forest stock, offer a £1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of a hit-and-run driver involved in an animal accident.

Sue Westwood, clerk to the Verderers, said it was the worst incident of its type in the Forest for two decades.

“I've been here for 19-and-a-half years I don't know of any other incident in which three animals were killed in one go,” she said.

The collision occurred on the B3078 Brook to Godshill road - one of the worst routes for animal accidents.

The donkeys that had to be destroyed were put down by Andrew Napthine, one of the Agisters employed by the Verderers to deal with problems involving animals that graze the Forest.

He said: “One donkey was lying dead in the road. Another had a broken leg and the third had a broken shoulder.

“In terms of the number of animals killed it was the worst accident I've ever dealt with.”

It comes just weeks after police used the B3078 to unveil a new infra-red speed camera that can photograph vehicles at night and is being used in a new campaign to protect Forest stock.

Officers investigating the deaths of the three donkeys are trying to trace a tall white van believed to have been involved in the incident.

The person who reported the collision saw a van with a damaged headlight heading towards Fordingbridge.

The accident happened on November 3 between 5am and 5.30am on a stretch of the B3078 known as Roger Penny Way.

A police spokesman said: “Police would like to take this opportunity to remind drivers to take extra care on rural roads in the New Forest overnight.

“Animals may be crossing roads in the National Park and the road surface may attract animals as it retains heat during the evening, unlike grassy surfaces.”

Ring PC Gary Kimble at Hythe police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.