Police have issued a warning to dog owners after two sheep were attacked at a Yorkshire beauty spot - with one having to be put down.

Police said the livestock were attacked at Cod Beck Reservoir - a popular spot with dog walkers near Osmotherley in North Yorkshire - at around 10am on Saturday (May 16).

North Yorkshire Police said a red setter-type dog attacked a dheep and a member of public interevened and had to pull the sheep away from the dog to prevent it from getting more seriously injured.

However, it was left with significant injuries and due to the severity, it had to be put down.

A second sheep was also found with serious injuries on the same day.

Sergeant David Lund, of North Yorkshire Police's Rural Task Force, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to remind dog owners of the importance of keeping their dogs under close control and on a lead when in the vicinity of livestock, in order to prevent further incidents of this nature.

placeholder image — Cod Beck Reservoir | Local Library

"It is a criminal offence for a dog to worry livestock. This includes attacking livestock, chasing livestock in a way that may cause injury or suffering, or being at large in a field where livestock are present.

“Dog owners can be prosecuted if their dog is found to be responsible for such behaviour."

The force is appealing for information in relation to the incidents on Saturday, and asked anyone who can help the investigation to contact them on 101 or by emailing [email protected] , quoting incident number 12260088842.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.