Police probe arson attack at Chris Packham's home

10 October 2021, 10:08 | Updated: 10 October 2021, 10:10

Police are investigating an arson attack at the New Forest home of wildlife expert Chris Packham.

 A Land Rover was set on fire outside his property on Friday.

Pictures he posted on social media show significant damage to the front gate of the property.

He claimed “two masked men” set a vehicle on fire at the gate of his home shortly after midnight on Friday.

He  questioned if the men were members of one of a number of conservation organisations and rural groups "or some of my internet trolls, who fill my timeline with hate?"

Chris has previously had dead animals left outside his home, including foxes and badgers, “but now it's escalated, because they've taken to damaging that property".

"If you think that by burning down those gates that I'm suddenly going to become a supporter... then you're wrong," he said.

"I will just carry on, because I have no choice. I cannot and will not let your intimidation sway me from my cause."

The arson attack caused National Trust to start trending on Twitter after Chris posted online calling for members to sign up and vote to support a ban on hunting on National Trust land.