More than a dozen sheep have died after being run over by a car in a barbaric act of animal cruelty.

Kent Police were called to a field in Wrotham at around 9am today when a local person found the sheep.

Some of the animals had already died by the time officers arrived. Others had broken or missing limbs and were in so much pain they had to be put down.

In total, 15 sheep died.

Insp Adrian Allen of the neighbourhood policing team at Kent Police said: "This is a terrible crime that has resulted in great pain, distress and suffering. It's difficult to imagine who could do such a callous thing.

"We're keen to establish a motive for this attack as quickly as possible."

The sheep were found in a field off the A20 London Road, opposite Tower Industrial Estate.

The gate to the field had been opened and there were tyre tracks from a four wheel drive on the ground.

Police found part of a black bumper bar and a serial number from a Land Rover Discovery at the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Insp Allen on the non-emergency number, 101. Alternatively, call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.