A farmer said she found “carnage” after eight sheep were killed in a dog attack.

Susan Harmer, of Mill Laine Farm, in Offham, near Lewes, went to check on her flock only to discover “bodies strewn everywhere” after the animals, some of which were pregnant, had been attacked.

Eight sheep were killed, fourteen were left as “walking wounded” and eight were struggling to walk due to injuries to their front legs.

The 47-year-old said: “Obviously it was dogs, all the sheep were covered in blood and it was carnage.

“We got a trailer and took the dead ones and those that could not walk. We have had dog trouble in the past but we usually catch them, but these were gone. The attack must have been going all night.

“I think it is naughty dog owners who cannot be bothered so they just turf the dogs out at night and because the dogs are bored they go after the sheep.”

She has been at the farm for 25 years and it has been in her husband’s family for six generations.

The incident happened between 3pm on December 3 and midday on December 5.

Ms Harmer asked dog owners to keep their pets on leads and not to let them out at night as they may jump over garden fences and escape.

PC Garreth Evans said: "We are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact us.

"The dog or dogs involved would have been exhausted after such a prolonged attack and would have been covered in blood.

"I would urge owners to keep their dogs on leads around farming fields and ensure they have control of them at all times."

Anyone who has information is asked to contact police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 0279 8/12, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.