Warning to farmers in Sevenoaks after unexplained sheep deaths

The remains of eight sheep were found in late November in Halstead and Sundridge

Police are hunting for the culprit who killed six sheep and dumped their remains in a garden in Kent.

Livestock owners have been warned to be vigilant after a number of unexplained sheep deaths in the west of the county.

There had been "a recent spate of suspicious incidents" in the Sevenoaks area, according to Kent Police.

Between 24 and 29 November, the remains of six sheep were found strewn across the garden of a property in Otford Lane, Halstead, officers said.

The hides and entrails of two more sheep were later discovered dumped in a lay-by in Ovenden Road, Sundridge.

PC Marc Pennicott, from Kent Police's rural task force, said: "The theft of so many sheep and the way they were killed is abhorrent.

"Our dedicated team is working relentlessly to identify the suspect or suspects and take robust action against them."

Officers advised sheep owners to check them regularly and report any thefts from their stocks.

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