Forest keepers have asked dog owners to keep their pets on leads to avoid killing new-born deer.

The birthing season for fawns generally runs from June until August.

Epping Forest keepers are also asking people not to disturb the fawns as this could mean their parents abandon them, which could lead to their death.

Forest keeper Michael Collins said: “It would be very nice if everyone would keep their dogs on leads and this time of year as they can disturb other animals without their owners realising.

“They can scare the deer and chase the across the road, and if the doe dies, the fawn dies as well.

“If they disturb the parents, they could leave their fawn and could lead to them dying of starvation or exposure, with the weather we’re having.”