Marwell Zoo break-in: Extra police patrols after Gosport and Fareham suspects arrested over 'appalling' videos
EXTRA police are patrolling in Gosport and Fareham after threats were made against four people arrested over ‘appalling’ videos made in a break-in at Marwell Zoo.
It comes as national newspapers reported the four people arrested over Monday’s break-in at the zoo had sought police protection.
Hampshire police confirmed officers were conducting extra patrols due to ‘the sentiment’ expressed in comments on social media.
Armed police were at the zoo in Thompson’s Lane, between Bishop’s Waltham and Winchester, after being alerted to footage on social media showing a break-in at 11.40pm.
Two Fareham men, 20 and 22, and a 22-year-old Gosport man were arrested on suspicion of burglary, along with a 22-year-old Gosport woman.
As reported, one video purports to show a giraffe hit in the head by what appears to be a thrown plastic bottle.
A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: ‘The local teams are increasing patrols in the area after names and images were released online, and because of the sentiment in the comments.’
Police said there are ‘outstanding enquiries to complete’ so the four were released under investigation.
A Marwell spokeswoman said zoo staff were ‘saddened’ by the incident and added: ‘We’d like to reassure our supporters that all our animals are safe and our expert teams are on site caring for them to the highest standard.’