Dogs hunted after sheep killings

The dogs responsible for the killings are thought to be lurchers or alsatians

Night vigils to search for dogs responsible for killing dozens of sheep and an ostrich in part of Kent are being carried out by police.

More than 40 sheep have been killed in the Ulcombe area of Maidstone since late November, Kent Police confirmed.

Other sheep have become ill after being agitated by dogs and are not expected to survive.

Officers using infrared cameras are trying to catch the dogs responsible for the attacks.

'Die from worry'

Insp Ian Sandwell, of Kent Police said: "There have been a number of cases where dogs have been attacking sheep flocks in the Lenham Road, Headcorn Road, Crumps Lane and Stickfast Lane areas of Ulcombe.

"Not only do these incidents cost money to the farmer in replacing the dead sheep, but it also impacts the remainder of the flock who may also die from worry."

He said they hoped to catch the dogs, thought to be lurchers or alsatians, or their owners during their night patrols.

Dog owners could face a fine and criminal charges, he added.