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A farmer has been left to pick up the pieces after a ‘shocking' dog attack on 26 sheep in Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said the incident took place on farmland near Wotton-Under-Edge on Thursday (November 2) when a dog attacked multiple sheep between 10pm and midnight.

Police confirmed one sheep had been killed while another five could potentially be humanely destroyed as a result of their injuries.

A further 20 sheep will require treatment for bite wounds.

See also: Police investigating suspected theft of nine pigs from Staffordshire farm

Sergeant Garrett Gloyn, of Stroud Neighbourhood Policing Team, described the ordeal as ‘shocking' for the farmer with reports the dog owners were present during the time of the incident.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious at the time of the incident - including the identification of a camper van owner - on the B4060, or on Old London Road.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary through the website, quoting incident 94 of 3 November, . 

See also: Cattle semen theft sparks security warnings

Free signs warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock are available through ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian's Take the Lead campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association.

To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.

We will be able to send up to 25 signs.

See also: ²ÝÁñÉçÇø on alert after Illegal butchering of cattle in Worcestershire