A family has been left shocked after its pet sheep were savaged to death during a night-time attack at a farm.

They discovered 19 sheep which had been mauled by dogs – seven which had died from their injuries – at Elm Tree Farm, Blackmoor Road, Oxenhope , Keighley .

A vet had to shoot the rest of the flock, which included 16 lambs, because their injuries were so severe.

Their owner, who did not want to be named, said the family had been “devastated” by the attack.

He said: “We suspect people using dogs for hunting and allowing them to attack livestock. Someone must know something about this as the dogs must have been covered in blood.

“These dogs are going to attack somewhere else. It’s been devastating for us, but it could happen again.

“The sheep were out in the field – you can’t even see it from the road. The most upsetting thing was that there were 16 lambs among them.”

The family kept the flock of sheep as a hobby, using the sheep to train its two sheepdogs, he said.

Police officers from Bingley and Worth Neighbourhood Policing Team are investigating the attack.

A spokesman said they still did not know whether hunters had been “lamping” on the land – a practice which involves using dogs to hunt other animals by using high-powered lights.

The attack happened on Thursday, August 30 and anyone with information should contact Bingley and Worth NPT on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.