POLICE IN Dundee announced yesterday that a dedicated team of officers is to take on the investigation into the brutal attack and torture of animals at Camperdown Wildlife Centre earlier this month.

The July 2 attack injured several animals—including a deer, an otter and a pig—and left a terrapin dead, as well as many others psychologically damaged.

Officers tracking the perpetrators recently announced that they are close to catching those responsible, but police said yesterday that next week a special team will focus solely on the case with a view to closing in on the attackers.

A painstaking forensic investigation is ongoing at the centre and there has been a massive public outcry following the incident that sent shockwaves through the city.

Thousands of pounds have been collected as a bounty offered to anyone who might be able to identify the attackers but police are still trying to unmask the thugs behind the crime.

A deer was slashed with a craft knife, otters were beaten with stakes and had heavy boulders thrown at them, while a terrapin died after both its eyes were gouged out in the attack.

Detective Sergeant Graham Heald said, “We still have a number of possible suspects we are looking at, but we have not got enough substantial evidence to bring charges against anyone yet.”

Anyone who can assist the investigation should contact the force on Dundee 223200 or speak to any officer.