DEVON and Cornwall Police are appealing for the public’s help to identify the owner of a dog believed to be involved in a series of fatal sheep attacks in Mid Devon.

Officers are investigating nine reports of sheep worrying and attacks at farms in the Cheriton Fitzpaine, Crediton and Stockleigh English areas in recent weeks.

The incidents have had a significant impact on farmers with at least 35 sheep killed and dozens more suffering serious injuries.

The most recent incidents took place overnight between September 18 and 19.

A Valais ewe was killed and another injured in the Poughill area. Six lambs were killed and 20 were seriously injured on land in the Pennymoor area.

One sheep was killed and several others were injured between 17 and 18 September near Cheriton Fitzpaine.

Earlier attacks happened in the same area between September 1 and 3, causing an estimated £15,000 loss and injury to livestock.

Further incidents have been reported in Cheriton Fitzpaine and Stockleigh English.

Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about the rise in recent incidents and are seeking the public’s help to trace a dog which has been seen in the vicinity.

The dog is described as a Blue Merle Collie cross-type dog with distinctive markings – a brown muzzle, brown legs, blue/brown across its head and black markings on its back.

Rural Affairs Officer PC Lucy Wyatt said: "We appreciate that the owner may be completely unaware that their dog is leaving home during the evening or overnight, and we are keen to identify them as soon as possible.

"These incidents have been extremely distressing for the farmers affected and have resulted in significant losses to their livestock.

"The dog is quite distinctive and has been seen in the areas where sheep have been found injured or killed. It appears to be nervous and moves very quickly.

"We would ask anyone who recognises the description of the dog, or who has seen a Blue Merle Collie type dog roaming loose in the area, to please get in touch with us.

"We are also encouraging livestock owners to take any additional steps they can to secure gateways and fields, where possible, and we would like to hear from anyone else whose sheep may have been attacked in the area."

Information can be reported through the Force website or by calling 101, quoting reference 50260250003.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.