Six sheep were found dead in a garden – and a further two dead animals were also discovered in a layby (Picture: Getty/Google)
The remains of six sheep were left strewn across a garden after they are suspected to have been stolen and brutally killed.
Police have issued a warning to livestock owners in the Sevenoaks area of Kent following the grim discovery.
Officers found the dead animals in a garden at an address in Otford Lane in the village of Halstead after being alerted to them between November 24 and 29.
The hides and entrails of two more sheep were also later discovered dumped in a layby in Ovenden Road, Sundridge.
‘The theft of so many sheep and the way they were killed is abhorrent,’ said PC Marc Pennicott from Kent Police’s rural task force.
‘Our dedicated rural task force is working relentlessly to identify the suspect or suspects and take robust action against them.’
A police spokesman added: ‘Enquiries are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding these incidents, to identify the owner or owners of the deceased sheep, locate those responsible, and bring them to justice.’
The sheep had been killed in an ‘abhorrent way’ according to police (Picture: Getty Images)
The grim discovery was made in Otford Lane in Halstead, near Sevenoaks, Kent (Picture: Google)
It’s the latest incident in a string of unexplained sheep deaths in the area in the last few months.
Kent Police said it has issued advice to local farmers following a ‘recent spate of suspicious incidents’ in the Halstead and Chevening areas.
PC Pennicott added: ‘Kent is home to vast expanses of rural land and the force prioritises the protection of its rural communities and works closely with partner agencies to bring those who offend in the countryside to justice.’
Advice issued by police to sheep owners encourages them to:
Check them regularly
Report any thefts
Be vigilant
Report any vehicles parked in rural locations and country lanes that you suspect may be involved
Any witnesses or those who may have relevant information have been urged to contact Kent Police.
Earlier this year, a sheep owner was left ‘heartbroken’ after finding four of his ewes decapitated with a sword.
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The hides and entrails of two more sheep were also later discovered dumped in a layby nearby.