Nearly 30 pregnant ewes have been killed by a dog in what police have called "possibly the worst livestock attack" they have ever had.

Witnesses are being sought after 27 sheep were found dead following a dog attack in a field near Sittingbourne in Kent. 

The ewes, which were all believed to be pregnant, were attacked between Christmas Eve and 1pm on Boxing Day.

Police say that barking was heard in the field near Deerton Street in Teynham between 4pm and 5pm on Christmas Day.

PC Marc Pennicott, of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, said: ‘This is a distressing incident which is possibly the worst livestock attack we have ever had.

"The sheep would have been petrified and had no way of escaping.

"We believe they may have been attacked by one dog but cannot rule out that more dogs may have also been responsible.

"The farmer has not only suffered a financial loss due to this incident but animals have needlessly lost their lives.

"These dogs would have been covered in mud and returned home exhausted and we are committed to identifying their owners.

"Sheep targeted were pregnant with twins or triplets and the remaining livestock have also been left vulnerable to a further attack, so it is extremely important that we find who is responsible for these dogs as quickly as possible."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Kent Police on 01795 419119, quoting reference 26-0510, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on the charity's website.