A spate of dog attacks on sheep have seen seven animals die of their injuries.

During one week there have been three incidents of sheep worrying near Maidstone.

Worrying includes attacking or chasing livestock in a way that might cause injury or suffering. In extreme cases livestock can die.

Police have confirmed seven sheep were killed in Thurnham. Officers attended and seized two dogs, believed to have been on the land.

The owners were spoken to and inquiries are ongoing.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw of the Rural Task Force said: "This was a particularly nasty incident, leading to some distressing injuries and ultimately the deaths of a large number of livestock.

"As well as the suffering caused, attacks can lead to huge financial losses for farmers and when a dog has a taste for killing and maiming sheep it often returns.

KMTV reported on the number of attacks earlier in the year.

"This is why we always urge owners to keep pets under control. It is important to also remember farmers are within their rights to sometimes shoot dogs, if they are deemed to be worrying livestock."

Dog owners could be committing an offence if their pet attacks or injures animals on agricultural land. If this happens, the owner could be liable for damages and compensation.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone