The suspicious death of three badgers has the authorities and wildlife rescue workers scratching their heads.

The badgers were found by Joaquin Pinho, 32, from Queen’s Park, all within five metres of each other in the Woodingdean area of the South Downs National Park.

It is thought the badgers were either poisoned or shot with an air rifle.

Mr Pinho said: “I parked my car up near Norton Drive and got out to go for a walk over the South Downs.

“I had my dog with me and it started acting strangely and sniffing about.

“I found one, and then spotted two more, all within five metres of each other.

“I didn’t know what to do. I was a bit shocked to be honest.

“I’m sure they were poisoned, the way their bodies were inflated and there were no signs that they’d been attacked by anything.

“I had a good look at them to make sure there were no cuts or any other signs, but there was nothing – I’d guess they died overnight.”

Trevor Weeks, founder of East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service, said he thought it was more likely the animals were shot.

He said: “We’re not aware of the reported problem, but the symptoms described don’t necessarily describe signs of poisoning.

“The bloating of the body is usually a sign of internal injuries, we see it a lot when badgers have been hit by a car.

“But, three badgers within five metres of each other does seem strange and if they’d been shot by an air rifle, it wouldn’t necessarily create a wound and the badger would subsequently die of internal injuries. It’s far more likely that the bodies of these badgers have been placed here rather than actually died here – it is a very suspicious case.”

Roger Musselle from Roger’s Wildlife Rescue in Woodingdean added: “If it is poisoning, people are going to have to be very vigilant to the danger.

“It’s a popular place for people to walk their dogs and if it does turn out to be poison, it could be a big issue.”

A Sussex Police spokeswoman and a South Downs National Park spokeswoman confirmed there had been nothing reported to them, but ‘should it be brought to their attention in the form of a report’, they would investigate.

Anyone with any information should contact Sussex Police on 101