Sheep injured in 'savage' attack in Devon field

Police said there was only one picture of the attacked animals "suitable to publicly show"

Four sheep have been put down after suffering "horrific" injuries when they were attacked in a field.

Fifteen animals were injured early on Sunday in a field in the South Brent area of Devon, police in Totnes said on Facebook.

Devon and Cornwall Police said four were "immediately shot" when found, "having endured a night lying with much of their insides ripped out".

Two dogs are thought to be responsible, the force added.

A National Farmers Union (NFU) spokesman said the case emphasised the importance of keeping dogs on a lead whenever they are around farm animals.

The animals, which had to be put down after the attack - believed to have happened between 00:00 BST and 02:00, included two lambs.

It was "deeply distressing for the farmer", police said.

Officers added the picture they posted on social media of one surviving animal - a ewe with "chunks of its body ripped out" - was "the only photograph suitable to publicly show".