Pet sheep killed and mutilated in gruesome attack, police say

Shocked couple Ferg Roylance, 20, and Zara Bowden, 19, were horrified to find their pet sheep dead at a farm in Marton, near Whitegate.

A mother and her lamb and an orphan lamb had had their necks broken.

Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team is now investigating the incident and appealing for information.

"It is absolutely awful, " said Zara. "They are not commercial sheep, they are our pets.

"This is so random. Sheep don't just drop dead out of the blue. There were no blood or marks on them. It was gruesome. When police came they found their tongues had been cut out.

This is how the sheep and two lambs were found after being killed and mutilated in a savage attack

This is how the sheep and two lambs were found after being killed and mutilated in a savage attack

"They took swabs from the mouth of the sheep and found metal particles on their tongues. The police are confident it was a human being not an animal who did this. They found some footprints

"If someone is going to do this what else are they going to do? There are some very sick people around."

The pedigree sheep belonged to a flock of 20 and several had been given names.

The couple, who have been together for four years, love the sheep and treat them as part of their family.

"They are very friendly and follow you around," said Zara, who is studying equine science and sports performance at Reeseheath University Centre.

"If someone came on the field, they would think it was us and come running over to them. The orphan lamb was especially friendly which makes it just 10 times worse. We feel guilty for having them like that.

"We are keeping them in now, we are so worried."

Ferg runs his own business, Agricultural Services Cheshire, and helps farmers and equestrian enthusiasts to maintain land, erect fencing and manage their sites.

Ferg said: "Sadly we had some visitors who decided to kill three of my sheep for no reason. If anyone comes across any information please let us know. Thanks to Cheshire Police Rural Crime for doing what they can. Hope we can find someone responsible for it."

A spokesman for Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team said: "This attack occurred overnight from around 9pm on January 7 to 8.30am on January 8.

"One sheep and two lambs were killed near the farmhouse with the rest of the flock unharmed.

"There are some extremely unusual elements in this case and a thorough investigation is currently under way to establish the full circumstances and to identify the offenders."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Marton area, people or vehicles, particularly along Dalefords Lane or Cinder Hill, should contact the police on 101 and quote IML 890541.