AN EWE and a lamb have been killed following an 'appalling' livestock attack in a Flintshire village.

North Wales Police's Rural Crime Team say they received a report of a dog attack on livestock in the Afonwen.

The incident occurred on fields close to a farmhouse, sometime between the evening of Sunday, June 23 and Monday, June 24.

One ewe and a lamb, both of pedigree stock, died as a result of the attack.

PC Ian Nicholls of the North Wales Police Rural Crime Team said: “Both animals were found with appalling injuries and bitemarks consistent with a dog attack."

He added: “This is clearly an upsetting incident for the farm owners, and our enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.

“This is an isolated location, but if anyone in the Afonwen area at this time saw anything suspicious, I would ask that they contact us on 101 and quote reference: 24000565533.

“I would also urge all dog owners to ensure that their animals are kept on a lead when walking in rural locations.

“Sheep farming is a primary source of income for farms, and protecting their livestock is paramount.

"It is an offence to allow a dog to worry sheep. Worrying includes attacking or chasing sheep and, in some circumstances, farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep.

"It is vital to keep your dog on the lead around livestock, even if you can usually trust it to come to call.

"If you live in or near a farming area, you must make sure that your dog cannot escape from your property, as it may find its way onto land containing livestock."