VANDALS who damaged fences on Dover's Western Heights have allowed valuable Dexter cattle to escape.

The fences were cut between Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and the cattle were eventually found at Lydden Spout on the other side of the A20. They are thought to have crossed under the main road using the underpass.

Five six-foot long sections of fence were cut through. Two sections were cut from the fence at Aycliffe, and three sections from the fence of a neighbouring landowner.

"We are very concerned about this act of criminal damage, as it places the animals and people at risk," said Kirk Alexander, project manager for the White Cliffs Countryside Project.

"The animals risk straying on to roads, even the nearby A20, where a major accident could be caused. The animals also become stressed by unfamiliar surroundings and people - two of the cattle had to be taken back to Sladden Farm, near Alkham, as one had injured a foot and the second was very nervous. Both animals are expected to recover."

Eight Dexter cattle have been returned to the Aycliffe field on the Western Heights.

The White Cliffs Countryside Project have been installing new fences at Aycliffe - the local fencing contractor is still working on other parts of the site. It is estimated that the vandalism cost the WCCP around £2,000 in fence repairs and staff time to recover the escaped animals.

"The WCCP has a policy of reporting all criminal damage to the police, who are investigating this incident," said Mr Alexander. "We would ask for anyone who saw anything, or anyone acting suspiciously, to contact us or Dover police.

"We would be grateful if local people would keep a watchful eye on the fences around the Western Heights and other sites around Dover."

The WCCP can be contacted at 01304 214806 or by email to wccp@whitecliffscountryside.org.uk.