Police have launched an investigation after badger baiters carried out a sickening attack on a sett.

The bodies of one, possibly two, badgers were found in woodland close to a sett which had been dug out near Bishop Auckland in County Durham.

Badger baiting is a major problem in the North-East but gangs usually take the animals to warehouses or other large empty buildings, where they are pitted against fighting dogs with money gambled on the outcome.

However, volunteers from Durham Badger Group said it seemed the badgers were killed at the sett.

They discovered a large hole had been dug with spades and a spokesman said: "From this hole at least one, and possibly more, terrified animals would have been extracted from the safety of their sett to face a horrific death at the hands of the baiters."

The spokesman said the decomposing bodies, one of which was difficult to identify, were found in a search of surrounding woodland. One skull had two puncture wounds - possibly the result of gunshots to the head.

Plastic sacks were also found: such sacks are often used to transport badgers to baiting sessions or to hold them temporarily whilst they await their fate.

The spokesman said: "This is a sickening crime. Contrary to popular belief, badger baiting is far from being a bad memory from history. Unfortunately, the North-East seems to be a hotbed for animal cruelty and the 'sport' is certainly more widespread than people think.

"Apart from the obvious cruelty involved - to both badgers and dogs - there is also often a link to more serious crime.

"Badgers are often taken and sold on to finance the spreading drugs trade so not only does an innocent animal die a horrific death to satisfy the bloodlust of a few warped individuals, but it also, unwittingly, helps fuel an industry that threatens the very lives of our own children."

Durham County Badger Group has appealed for anyone to report suspicious activities such as vans parked in unexpected places or men with spades, dogs and sacks in rural areas, to police. Durham police are investigating the latest incident.

Information can also be given to the group, which says badger baiters must not be approached by members of the public, via Durham Wildlife Trust on 0191-584 3112.