A GRUESOME attack which saw two lambs decapitated is being investigated by Dorset Police.

Warning: the story contains a graphic image

Rural crime officers reported that the two animals had their heads removed and taken on a farm east of Dorchester.

A headless two-month old lamb was discovered on the morning of Tuesday, January 31.

A second lamb was found decapitated in a similar location yesterday morning, Wednesday, February 1.

It is believed the animals were beheaded using a sharp blade.

Police have branded it a 'senseless crime' and appealed for information.

Police Constable Claire Dinsdale, of Dorset Police's Rural Crime Team, said: “The type of injury caused to the lambs is not consistent with them being attacked by predators.

“We believe someone has purposely decapitated these animals.

"This is a shocking but thankfully rare event."

NFU livestock adviser Tom Dracup said: “It is truly awful to hear about any incident that involves harm to livestock but the nature of this particular incident is shocking.

"The NFU condemns any malicious harm to livestock and an animals welfare is always the top priority of any farmer.

"I urge that anyone with information contacts the police immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting crime number 55170015569.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org