VANDALISM of electric fences on the Malvern Hills is putting lives at risk, the director of Malvern Hills Conservators has warned.

Stephen Bound is concerned at a spate of incidents where electric fencing is being cut, allowing sheep and cattle grazing the hills to escape.

Mr Bound said fences on the northern and central hills were being targeted on an almost daily basis.

As well as placing livestock at risk, Mr Bound said the potential for traffic accidents caused by animals wandering on to the roads was also a concern. “It is happening several times a week,” he said.

The matter has been reported to police and Mr Bound urged anyone finding damaged fencing or witnessing it being cut to report it at once.