TWO teenagers have been arrested by officers investigating the death of a cow found dead with a rope around its neck in Whitby.

Two local boys aged 13 and 14 were arrested on Tuesday, June 2, on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

They have been released on police bail to allow for further enquiries.

The Aberdeen Angus cow was found dead in a field on New Gardens, Green Lane, Whitby on Sunday, May 31.

On Tuesday, The Northern Echo reported that an anonymous donor had offered a £1,000 reward to anyone who could provide information on the crime via Farm Watcher.

They approached Andrea Stephenson, from Weardale in County Durham, who runs the online community which uses social media to alert rural residents to countryside crime or stolen property.

North Yorkshire Police said “despite some recent reports” they wanted to clarify they had not offered a reward for information.

Officers are still appealing for information from the public. They would especially like to hear from people who saw anyone carrying rope in Helredale Road, the Calla Beck area or at the park at Eastside community centre on the evening of 30 May 2015.

Anyone who can help officers with their enquiries is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for PC Neil Graham or Whitby police.

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12150090224 when passing information about this incident.