DOG owners are being warned about cases of suspected poisonings targeting dogs at Leeming.

North Yorkshire Police said two complaints had been made last week after two pets had become seriously unwell after walking in the St John's Road area of the village.

The concerns were raised at 1.40pm on Tuesday, April 10 and 2.50pm on Wednesday, April 11, and in both cases dogs displayed symptoms including panting, struggling to walk, vomiting, diarrhoea, and burning in the mouth and throat.

The dogs have seen by vets who believed they had digested a toxic substance. Further blood tests are being carried out to determine the cause of the illness.

One of the dogs is believed to be very ill.

Police have examined the location and carried out house-to-house enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation.

It is understood that concerned residents are due to raise the matter with parish councillors, and it has already been brought to the attention of Hambleton District Council environmental health and dog warden teams who are assisting police with the investigation.

To help the investigation, police are urging people to come forward with information about these incidents and to report any suspicious behaviour in the area recently.

Anyone with information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for Paul Enbom, or email paul.enbom@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous, quoting reference number 12180061854.