More than 100 sheep dead in crush 'sparked by dogs'

More than 100 sheep have died after being herded against a fence in what has been called the worst sheep attack in the UK in “living memory”.

Farmer Gordon Wyeth made the horrific discovery than 116 of his sheep, many of which were pregnant, were dead in West Dean near Chichester on Monday afternoon.

The sheep – worth about £17,000 - had been herded into a tight group against a fence and gate where they had panicked.

Most of the sheep had either died from shock of by being crushed in the flock, Sussex Police said, and it is thought their death was brought about by dogs.

James Osman, the National Farmers’ Union adviser for Sussex, said it was the “worst incident of its kind in living memory”.

Sergeant Tom Carter said: “The flock was last checked around lunchtime on Sunday, so the incident could have occurred at any time over the next 24 hours.

“However, if as we suspect it was a dog attack, it may well have happened in daylight and we want to hear from anyone with information about it.”

Sergeant Carter added: “This is not just about the Mr Wyeth's livelihood - and it will cost him at least another £2000 to dispose of the carcasses - but also his emotional attachment to the animals that he has raised and nurtured.”