A LIVESTOCK attack at a farm on the outskirts of Chester left two sheep dead and another seriously injured.

Cheshire Police Rural Crime Team is appealing for information following the attack, which came as a result of a dog walker not keeping the dog on a lead.

The dog walker also failed to report the incident, which happened near Great Barrow, to the livestock owner and police.

PC Ashley Tether, from the rural crime team, posted on the team's social media page: "PCSO Graham and I have attended a report of a livestock attack near Great Barrow, Chester.

"Sadly this incident resulted in the death of two sheep, with another being seriously injured.

"In this case the owner of the dog did not do the responsible thing, and failed to report the matter to the livestock owner and the police.

"Therefore, if anyone has any relevant information, please contact us on 101 or via the Cheshire Police website on the public contact portal, quoting reference number 23000009409."

The officer added: "As we have said it many times before on our page, please keep your dog on a lead. We have heard too many times 'my dog wouldn’t do that' and 'I’ve walked this route for years'.

"However, you can never predict the actions of your dog no matter how well behaved or trained it is.

"It also affects the livelihood of the livestock owner such as the time spent purchasing the animal, rearing the sheep and the other costs involved.

"All livestock attacks we receive in Cheshire are dealt with robustly by the Rural Crime Team.

"So once again, please keep your dog on a lead around any livestock, bovine or other kept animals in fields."