Gruesome attack in Ryton field near Leamington and Rugby leaves 12 sheep dead and five 'unlikely to survive'

The crime team has posted about the incident on its Facebook page.

It has said: "Yesterday (January 26) at about 10.00 am we had a report of sheep worrying at a field in Ryton-on-Dunsmore near to Ryton Woods.

"PS Shaw attended the incident meeting the farmer at the field, they were faced with 12 dead sheep and a further five were injured so badly that although receiving treatment they are unlikely to survive.

"These sheep were chased around the field by a dog, likely for hours, and died terrified.

"The surviving sheep from the flock will be greatly affected by the incident.

"This same flock has suffered from four similar incidents in as many months.

"This will affect the lambing percentage for the farmer and could have a greater on-going loss and impact on their business.

"Livestock worrying is an offence and we have an on-going investigation into the matter."

"If you witnessed this incident or have any information in regards to this please contact us using one of the below methods.

"Email: RuralCrimeTeam@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk, call: 101, or report anonymously to crime stoppers on: 0800 555 111.

"When walking your dogs in the vicinity of livestock please keep them on a lead."