Seven sheep have been killed in a North Yorkshire field after a vehicle was deliberately driven at them, police said.

North Yorkshire Police said the incident happened on the outskirts of Staveley, close to Minskip, near Boroughbridge, overnight between November 12 and November 13.

The farmer discovered the dead sheep in the field at around 10am on November 13, a force spokesperson said.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We believe a vehicle – probably a 4x4 - was deliberately driven over the perimeter fence and at the animals.

“The suspect drove around 200 metres down a farm track off Minskip Road before leaving the track and driving in a figure-of-eight in the field.

“Seven sheep died in the incident, which appears to be random, and the rest of the flock was found in a distressed state.

“We have launched a criminal investigation and have been carrying out enquiries in the area.

“As part of this, we are appealing for any information about the incident, the vehicle involved which may have wool attached to it, or any CCTV or dashcam footage of a 4x4 vehicle in the area around the time of the incident.

“Please contact PC Paxton by emailing joseph.paxton@northyorkshire.police.uk or calling us on 101, selecting option two and asking for PC Joseph Paxton.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or share information via their website.”