ABOUT 30 sheep will need to be put down following a brutal attack on a flock in East Bergholt.

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses after 16 sheep were killed, and dozens were badly wounded, on land where livestock grazes in the Dazeley's Lane area.

The incident took place at some point between Sunday, December 20 and yesterday at 8am.

About 16 sheep were found dead at the time and about30 others will need to be put down as a consequence of their injuries.

It is strongly suspected that dogs off a lead had committed the attack on the sheep.

Sgt Brian Calver from the Rural And Wildlife Crime Team: "This is by far the worst case of an attack of sheep I have come across.

"The suffering the animals must have gone through would have been terrible.

"Dog ownership is a responsible thing so please remember, dogs that are allowed to be dangerously out of control in a public place is an offence under the Dogs Worrying Livestock Act.

"Anyone who saw the dogs that were responsible or can describe them please get in touch with us.”

Enquiries are ongoing into the incident and anyone with information as to who was responsible or who saw dogs off leads in the area at the time should contact Suffolk Police on 101, quoting crime reference 37/73715/20.