POLICE have been called in to investigate suggestions of pagan-style rituals after the body of a goat was found in crucifix-shaped ditch in woodland near Thornbury.

Two young women made the macabre discovery while walking their dogs in Mumbleys Wood not far from the golf links.

“We were just strolling and chatting when we noticed some freshly disturbed ground and went over to see what it was,” said one of the women, who asked not to be identified. “The earth had been excavated in the shape of a cross – possibly 10 or 11 feet long from end to end.

“Then we noticed the shape of something lying near the centre of the cross. We got a bit nearer and could see it was a goat. It was obvious because of its horns. It was clearly dead but there were no signs of blood.

“We were a bit shocked but not exactly scared. We’re not the sort to be frightened easily but we were obviously very concerned – if only for the goat.

“The dogs were very interested, as you’d expect, although they didn’t show signs of being spooked.

“The excavation was quite deep – around two feet in places – so someone had obviosuly gone to a lot of effort to dig it.

“You see TV programmes about cults and ritual sacrifices on the TV but you don’t expect to come across something like this on the edge of Thornbury. It’s weird.”

The women, who also noticed sleeping bags not far from the spot, reported the bizarre find to police by mobile phone and then left the area.

Thornbury rural beat manager PC Roger Hopes said an officer had been out to the wood to examine the scene.

“I’ve never heard of anything like this in the area before,” he said. “We’ve had no reports of goats being stolen or anything like that and as far as we know the area’s not a hot bed of paganism. At the moment we just don’t know what to make of it.”

Police were still looking into the matter as the Gazette went to press.
[Posted at: Devil Worship Fears As Goat Is Found In Ditch]