A company has admitted bulldozing a badger sett which could have killed up to 20 animals.

Newcastle-based firm Blue Lark said on Friday it was carrying out work on the Safeway-owned site when one of their JCBs ran over the sett on the former Occidental refinery land.

The supermarket has threatened legal action against the company for alleged trespass.

A spokesman for Blue Lark, which also owns the Occidental jetty, said: "One of our JCBs accidentally run over a badger sett but the driver got out of his cab as soon as he saw what had happened and checked the sett."

He added: "I'm assured there was no damage."

However, conservationists investigating the site said they now believe around 20 badgers and cubs were killed.

Castle Point councillor, Dave Blackwell, said: "There were 20 holes in the ground, a sett had been crushed and everything in it killed.

"There were probably mums and cubs in the sett and that could be up to 20 badgers."

Blue Lark, which also denied trespassing on Safeway land, announced last week that it intended to dismantle the £10 million jetty and transport it up the Thames for recycling.

Workers contracted by the company were digging up electrical cables linked to the jetty when the bulldozer hit the badger sett.

Peter Sitch, on behalf of the supermarket, said: "Safeway was unaware of Blue Lark carrying out the work.

"We condemn any breach of the law particularly when it involves wildlife which, as in the case of badgers, deserve to be left to carry on undisturbed."

He added: "Safeway would like to apologise to residents of Canvey who may have been distressed by this occurrence even though the events were outside our control.

"Our solicitors have written to Blue Lark requiring them to cease any further trespass on our land. If they do not we will seek an injunction in the High Court to exclude them. "

Acting Sgt Lee Perry of Rayleigh police confirmed they were investigating the incident and appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

It is illegal to disturb a badger sett and culprits found guilty can face up to six months in prison and/or a fine. Call Rayleigh police on 01268 775533 if you have any information.

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