A witness appeal has been launched today after two pregnant sheep grazing in a field near Letchworth were mauled by a dog and lost the lambs they were carrying.

Police officers investigating the case are appealing for the public’s help after two sheep were seriously injured in the attack, which took place in a field off Croft Lane in the village of Norton.

It is believed a dog – a brown Staffie-type – was being walked by a young woman believed to be in her 20s when it got into the field and mauled two sheep.

Both sheep suffered serious injuries and lost the lambs they were carrying as a result of the attack, which occurred at some point on Sunday, January 29.

Sgt Alan Clarke, from the Letchworth and Baldock Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We would urge anyone who saw any suspicious activity in this area on this day to please contact us, as you may have vital evidence.

“Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, if a dog worries sheep on agricultural land, the person in charge of the dog is guilty of an offence.

“It is crucial that you keep your dog on a lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come when called. If you live in or near an agricultural area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape from your property as it may find its way onto land containing sheep.”

Anyone with information should call Herts police on 101, quoting crime reference number G2/17/242.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.