Cattle have been left scared and hiding behind trees after several attacks by dogs off the lead.

The most recent incident took place on Wednesday when a large black dog attacked the Dexter Cattle in Hunstead Woods, near Canterbury.

Four members of staff at Kent Wildlife Trust, which manages the reserve, were called to help the animals alongside the rural police who were called to investigate.

In a post on Instagram, Kent Wildlife Trust said: “No wonder they're hiding; a large black dog attacked our beautiful Dexter cattle at Hunstead Woods yesterday.

“Unfortunately, this has happened multiple times on this South Blean reserve, meaning we can no longer graze sheep here.

“Cattle are larger and more able to fight back, but this incident has left them scared, took up four team members' time and needed the attendance of the rural police.

“Please share, and if you saw or know anything, get in touch, and please please please make sure you follow the signs regarding dogs when visiting our reserves.”

Last December, volunteers from the trust found a number of sheep dead, wounded and scattered following another dog attack at Hunstead Wood.

The horrifying discovery was made when the livestock checkers found one severely wounded sheep, before rounding up the rest of the scattered, terrified herd and realising that a number were missing.

Upon finding more wounded and dying animals and trying to tend to their wounds, the dog responsible returned and attacked again.

A spokesperson from Kent Police said: “Officers received a report of a dog worrying cattle in woodland near Canterbury between 10.30am and 11am on Wednesday.

“Officers from the Rural Task Force attended and are continuing to liaise with the livestock owners.”