POLICE in east Cleveland are asking dog owners to be aware of their animal's whereabouts after sheep were killed in two separate attacks.

Two Alsatians and a terrier attacked and killed four sheep at a smallholding in Liverton village, near Loftus, on Monday night and a farmer believes the same dogs were responsible for killing two of his sheep.

The dogs, which were wearing collars but no identifying details, were destroyed when they returned to the same farm early yesterday morning.

Police believe the animals intended to worry more livestock.

Inspector Charlie Bell, of Cleveland Police, said: "We urge people to be responsible dog owners and take appropriate steps to make sure their pets cannot get involved in this type of activity and especially with the ongoing foot-and-mouth issue, it is essential to keep dogs off farmland when they have no reason to be there."

Anyone with information on who the dogs belong to is asked to call Redcar Police, on (01642) 302626.