Police were investigating today (Thu) after 20 monkeys were found dead having been poisoned by a WATERMELON.

Twenty long-tailed macaques began foaming at the mouth and falling from trees in Rayong province, eastern Thailand, yesterday morning.

Shocked locals found the creatures dead on the ground close to several half-eaten watermelons.

Wildlife officials believe a farmer who was angry at monkeys for damaging crops then laced the fruit with poison before leaving it out for the animals to eat.

Residents held prayers the for the animals yesterday while police and forest officials in Klaeng district began investigating.

They believe that many more monkeys could have been affected but their bodies have yet to be found because they scampered away into the jungle.

Superintendent Chaiyapong Saengpongchai said: ''There is no CCTV in the area so we are interrogating villagers to try to find the offender.

''We believe that the monkeys ate the watermelons and were poisoned. Somebody is expected to have poisoned them.

''Harming monkey is prohibited. If someone has a problem with them, they need to contact wildlife workers for help.''

Villagers said that the area had recently experienced an increase in the number of monkeys looking for food. They have moved away from forests and have been rummaging through canals and farmers fields in search of meals.

Police were checking the bodies of the monkeys to confirm how they died. If somebody is found to be responsible, they face a fine of up to 40,000 Thai Baht (980GBP) and / or two years in prison.