Armed police joined in the hunt for two dogs after seven sheep were attacked and severely injured in a field off Downs Road, Canterbury.

Officers were called to the area at about 7.15am Thursday and told the dogs had headed in the direction of St Stephen's Hill, which they closed with the junction of Downs Road.

Eye witness George Martindale, 69, of Downs Road, said: "It was my wife that alerted me to it. We looked out of the window and there were lots of police officers everywhere.

"It was all a bit chaotic and I dind't know what was going on."

Area commander for the East Kent Area, Ch Supt John Molloy, said: "Our priority is to protect the local people and livestock.

"If we do have to shoot the dogs it will be regrettable but necessary, and in the interests of public safety."

Two dogs were later safetly removed from the area by the RSPCA.

Four of the seven sheep were so seriously injured that they had to be put down.

Ch Supt Molloy added: "It is deplorable that the owner of these dogs has allowed their animals to pose such a danger to others."