FOR the sake of all the animals, don't lay illegal squirrel traps.

That's the message from police and forestry rangers, who removed a potentially lethal set of amateur snares in Mile End woods.

Forestry and police, alerted to the inhumane traps by concerned neighbours, believe they may have been crudely constructed by children during the half-term holidays, perhaps trying their hand at Ray Mears' bushcraft or the SAS Survival Guide.

A toppled pole with a dozen metal-coated plastic garden wire loops starting six feet from the ground was found near an ad hoc camping spot in a popular area for dog-walkers.

"We believe they were trying to catch squirrels, but any animal – including deer, a pet dog or cat – could have been seriously injured or died as a result," said PC Rob Dix from South Forest police, one of the five-strong Rural environmental crime liaison offic-team.

"Whoever made them might have had good intentions, as squirrels are vermin and do a lot of damage to trees, but the traps themselves could have caused a lot of suffering.

"An animal may have had to chew its leg off as the loop would just tighten into a noose. Because it was made out of metal it wouldn't release the animal."

Unless a landowner gives permission, traps cannot be set for animals.

Snares that are allowed if permission was granted must use regulation traps designed to reduce pain and distress to the animal, and the traps must be checked at least once every 24 hours.

"It's great that people are getting out in the woods and enjoying them. If they want to build dens, camp out or make BMX bike jumps, fine, but we would ask them to act responsibly and look after the wildlife."

Forestry Commission ranger Simon Holloway said: "If people are going to try their hand at bushcraft, they should take away everything with them when they leave.

"The woods are there for everyone to enjoy, people, pets and wildlife – and they must be safe too."