Mystery surrounds why two roe deer were killed, gutted and left by a bridleway.

The meat was not taken, only the pelts.

People were alerted by a gathering of red kites around the bridleway leading through woods between Halfpenny Lane and Westfield Road in Moulsford, near Wallingford, at the weekend.

The birds are scavengers and people realised something must have been killed around there, said resident Clare Kerr.

The tiny deer were found beside the path.

Mrs Kerr said; "No-one can understand why the offal was cast to one side but the meat, venison, was not taken. It's a real mystery."

Earlier this month the heads, hides and lower legs of two muntjac and four fallow deer were dumped at Great Milton.

Sophie Wilkinson, of the RSPCA, said: "We need to find out who is responsible as there are potential offences under the Deer Act 1991."

Call the RSPCA on 08705 555999 with information.