A reward is being offered to track down those behind the apparent poisoning of foxes and badgers.

Enthusiasts say the numbers of badgers and foxes near Southwick Hill, Portslade have declined dramatically in recent years.

At least three foxes have been found dead but with no obvious signs of injury, prompting fears by animal experts that poison may have been laid.

Now after another fox was found dead in Mile Oak Road, Portslade yesterday morning, a reward of £500 has been offered to track down information about those responsible for the killings.

Billy Elliott, of Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service (Wadars), said: “It is important that we try and get as much information as possible so we can put a stop to this.

“If poison has been laid it is not just foxes that will be affected but all sorts of other wildlife, from birds to mice.”