THE killing of a second stag at the Exmoor country estate of billionaire tycoon Richard Caring has led to security being stepped up and a further £5,000 added to a £10,000 reward to catch the culprit.

The Free Press was the first to reveal the slaughtering of one of five prize stags at Mr Caring's 500-acre rural retreat, Pixton Stables, near Dulverton just under three weeks ago.

But last Saturday another stag from the 20-strong herd of red deer was shot and, like the first, probably suffered a lingering and painful death.

Estate manager Alex Cheyne said the most recent incident involved a high calibre weapon, leaving an exit wound the size of a clenched fist.

"The bullet went straight through his liver and took out three ribs," said Mr Cheyne.

He said Mr Caring had "gone berserk" when he heard about the latest killing.

The fashion and restaurant mogul - who includes top London restaurants The Ivy and Le Caprice amongst his expansive business portfolio - was throwing a lavish wedding party at his London home for his son Ben and bride Elle Perfect when the incident took place.

Having flown in the Bolshoi Ballet and hired the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the Swan Lake-themed event, Mr Caring lost no time in throwing more cash behind the bid to track down those responsible for the deer killings.

The 61-year-old, listed 146th in this year's Sunday Times Rich List, has now hired former services personnel armed with night vision equipment to patrol the grounds.

The deer are kept in an enclosure in front of the grade two property and Mr Cheyne admitted they were there purely "for show".

But he said neither he nor Mr Caring could understand why anyone would want to slaughter the stags, apparently for pleasure.

"If the carcass had been taken for meat or if the antlers had gone, at least there would be some point to these deaths," he said.

"But this is just senseless and cruel, killing these animals for no reason and leaving them to die in agony.

"They're just like pets to us, which is what makes it so upsetting.

"Mr Caring is certainly not happy about the situation and is determined to find who is responsible - he's keen to be able to hand someone a cheque for £15,000 for information that leads to a prosecution."

Avon and Somerset police are investigating both incidents and anyone with information should contact the force on 0845 4567000 or Mr Cheyne on 01398 324243.

Mr Caring bought Pixton Stables almost four years ago and has spent millions of pounds refurbishing and extending it, including building a controversial 'winter palace' housing a bowling alley, gymnasium and swimming pool.