TWO sheep have died and a third had to be put down after a suspected dog attack near Salisbury.

Wiltshire Police says the landowner discovered the injured animals in a field at Bowerchalke early yesterday morning.

The attack was in an area which is used by dog walkers, and police are appealing for anyone who was out walking in the area around the time, and may have witnessed anything suspicious.

A statement from the force added: "We would also like to remind dog walkers about the importance of keeping pets on leads when there are farm animals around and the potentially fatal consequences of livestock worrying and dog attacks.

"Livestock worrying is traditionally thought of as a dog biting or attacking livestock but it can also mean chasing livestock in such a way as may be reasonably expected to cause injury or suffering.

"It can also mean not having a dog on a lead or under close control when close by, or in a field or enclosure with livestock."

Anyone with information about this particular incident should call PC Rachel Gunn, from Wiltshire South CPT, on 101, quoting crime reference 54190109741.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.