EIGHTEEN pregnant sheep were killed after stampeding onto a road.

It is thought two brown Labradors worried the animals in the field off the A269 near Boreham Bridge which saw them run in front of a BMW on Sunday afternoon.

The sheep - worth thousands of pounds - were found dead in the road and adjoining ditch by by Little Standard Hill Farm at 10.30pm. The driver was shaken but not hurt.

It is suspected the dogs may have spooked the sheep causing them to stampede and break their way out of the field.

A further 60 sheep were affected, but had made their way back to the field, except for one that was found in a nearby slurry pit. It is feared some may abort their lambs over the next few days.

Sergeant Tom Carter from Sussex Police said: "The incidents of sheep worrying by dogs show no sign of abating and it is worrying to note that Sussex now has more deaths than anywhere else in the country. The problem is widespread, however, and we are now part of a new National Police Chiefs’ Council working group linking with DEFRA to try and find solutions to the issue.

"In this case, there could have been far worse consequences for the driver of the BMW, who is not to blame for the incident, or for any other road users.

"With the first signs of spring, more and more people will be getting out into the country to walk their dogs and we continue to urge them not to let them off their leads where there is or where there may be livestock.

"These sheep alone were worth more than £2,500 and their unborn lambs a further £1,350 - and that's assuming that each ewe was only carrying one lamb. Aside from the financial cost, there is the emotional impact on those who have raised and nurtured their stock.

"We urge people to keep their dogs on a lead while they are walking in rural areas and around livestock. So often in these incidents the owners are horrified by what their dogs have done, but they have to accept that even the most docile of pets can quickly turn into a killer given the opportunity.

"A farmer can legally shoot a dog that is chasing livestock and seek compensation from the person responsible for the animal, so please don't take the risk."
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting 1188 of 12/02.