Rare sheep attacked at country park

There are only about 2000 Hebridean sheep in England

A rare flock of sheep have been attacked with sticks and roof tiles at a Northamptonshire country park.

The Hebridean sheep were cornered in a meadow at Daventry Country Park by a group of vandals and then attacked.

A number were chased around the park and pelted with tiles which had been broken off the roof of a visitor centre.

Park rangers are to increase patrols and have appealed to visitors to report anything suspicious.

Suspicious behaviour

Simon Bovey, director of community development for the county, said he was appalled by the callous nature of the attack.

"This vandalism and premeditated intent to maliciously injure animals cannot be allowed to continue.

"We are asking visitors to the park to please report any suspicious behaviour to the police."

Part of the community garden was also damaged for the third time in as many weeks.

Officials said it could no longer be used for the growing of vegetable plants for a popular local garden project.

The county council is also looking into the possibility of installing CCTV to protect the park's facilities and wildlife.