For the third time in a matter of months, sheep grazing in Croydon have been victims of a vicious dog attack.

On this occasion, now sheep were killed, but that was only because of the quick work of a nearby vet.

Downlands Partnership grazing officer, Sean Grufferty, said they have been forced to remove all the sheep from the area as a precaution.

"Jacob the sheep suffered multiple bite wounds to its neck, torn muscles, grazes to its back and was only saved from dying of shock in the aftermath due to the vet's quick treatment," he said.

"No other sheep were harmed on this occasion, but they have all been removed from the area back to our holding farm as a precaution.

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"It is a real shame and an ongoing concern that a minority of people can cause such problems from simply not putting a lead on their dog when walking near livestock, especially when they must be aware that they cannot fully control it."

This attack follows on from one in November at Happy Valley where a sheep had its throat ripped out in a dog attack.

Surrey Countryside Partnerships business development officer, Debbie Hescott, said the cost of these attacks was not just felt in the lives of the animals.

"These dog attacks not only cause real distress to our animals, staff and voluntary livestock checkers, but also has serious financial implications for our conservation grazing service, as we evidently have to cover the vet's fees incurred."