Police are hunting a killer dog after five pregnant sheep were fatally mauled in two attacks this month.

The first attack took place on Thursday, February 16, when five sheep were injured in an attack at a farm on Ebbisham Lane, in Tadworth.

One sheep later died of its injuries.

A further four sheep were attacked on Monday, February 20, and were left with injuries so severe they had to be put down by a vet.

All nine sheep were pregnant at the time, as they occured during lambing season.

The attacks have prompted Surrey Police to warn dog owners that their pets could be shot and they could be prosecuted if their animals attack livestock. Reigate and Banstead neighbourhood specialist officer Sue Roe, said: "It is totally unacceptable for dogs to attack and maul livestock and for their owners to allow them to be so dangerously out of control. It is lambing season at the farm and all of the killed ewes were pregnant with their off-spring due in May. This is not just upsetting for the farmer but has cost them financially with each sheep worth around £150 and their lambs £60 as well as the vet bill for the injured animals. Most dog owners don’t realise their pet could be destroyed if the dog is found worrying livestock and I would like to stress the importance of keeping your dog under control when near other people and animals."

Alerts have been circulated by the Reigate and Banstead Safer Neighbourhood Team to other farms in the area using CountryWatch.

The dog responsible and it’s owner have so far not been traced and police are asking anyone with information to call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference RB/12/1294.