Farmers have been put on high alert after a spate of unexplained sheep deaths.

Police are investigating a spate of suspicious incidents in the Sevenoaks area after eight of the woolly mammals were stolen and killed in an “abhorrent” mannner.

The remains of six sheep were found strewn across the garden of an address in Otford Lane, Halstead on Friday, November 24.

Then, nearly a week later, the hides and entrails of two more sheep were later discovered dumped in a layby in Ovenden Road, Sundridge.

Enquiries are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding these killings, identify the owner or owners of the deceased sheep, locate those responsible, and bring them to justice.

It’s not the first time the “severely mutilated” remains of sheep have been found in Halstead recently.

Last month a similar gruesome discovery was made in Otford Lane just days after dogs savaged livestock there.

Robbie Woods was left devastated after he came across the bloody scene at his farm in Station Road and begged dog walkers to stay off his fields and keep their dogs under control.

He said: “The reaction in the village has been pretty horrified, though some of the local farmers know they have to be on their guard all the time.

“It could have been killed 30 or 40 miles away and just dumped in the lane – no local farmers to my knowledge have come forward.”

Following the most recent suspicious killings police have now issued advice to farmers.

In addition to having a great visible police presence in the area farmers have been advised to check their sheep regularly, report any thefts, be vigilant, and report any vehicles parked in rural locations and country lanes that they may suspect may be involved.

PC Marc Pennicott said: “The theft of so many sheep and the way they were killed is abhorrent.

“Our dedicated rural task force is working relentlessly to identify the suspect or suspects and take robust action against them.

“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.”

Anyone with information us urged to contact police on 01622 604100 quoting reference number 24-0225.