A DANGEROUS animal could be roaming Astwood Bank after a number of lambs were found dead and horrifically mutilated.

Robert Matthews left his lambs at Slough Farm on Sunday and returned Monday to discover the slaughter.

Twelve of the North County Mules have now died, 15 are seriously injured and a number have puncture wounds.

Mr Matthews said: "When I arrived I was totally horrified, it was carnage.

"I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

"About a third of my sheep are now dead or seriously hurt.

"Many of them had parts of their faces and ears torn off.

"I felt sick when I saw it. The vet said some of the bites were 4ins wide.

"As well as being emotionally upsetting it has also hit me financially.

"I don't know what I will do in the future - I can't protect my lambs against attacks like this."

Sgt Vicky Reay, from Redditch police, said: "This is a very distressing incident and we're keen to establish what happened.

"We'd like to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything overnight that may be connected or anyone who saw a dog covered in blood in the area."

The RSPCA said it could not prove this was a domestic dog or a wild animal but reminded dog owners they should control their animals in public places.

RSPCA chief inspector for Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, Lee Hopgood, said: "It's irresponsible of dog owners to allow their pet to worry livestock as it can cause major welfare problems and in some cases great suffering.

"It's also an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act for a dog to be out of control in a public place."

Anyone with information can call Sgt Reay at Redditch police station on 08457 444888.