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Pictured: Residents are upset for the wildlife. A bat pictured here

Dorset Police have launched a criminal investigation into a 'slash and burn' tree felling that left residents devastated to determine whether there was any illegality.

Locals had confirmed sightings of protected bats, owls and woodpeckers in the wooden wildlife haven that was ruthlessly chopped down in a matter of hours with concern that no bat survey was carried out by the developers of the land.

However, a previous inspection commissioned by one resident earlier this year found evidence of Greater Horseshoe bats.

Dorset Police have begun enquiries into this development to assess whether the 'slash and burn' project was all above board.