ONE of the world's most ferocious animals is being blamed for a spate of attacks on lambs.

Twelve lambs have been killed on a farm in County Durham, leading police animal liaison officer Eddie Bell to suspect a wolverine could be responsible.

The lambs all belong to Andrew Spence, of Iveston.

When he discovered the first attack, he thought the lamb could have been the victim of the legendary Durham Puma.

But Sgt Bell said the killing method used suggests it was not a big cat, but a wolverine.

He said: "We have had big cat sightings at Iveston, but cats never kill two prey at a time, and pumas certainly do not leave their prey just lying there. They always carry them off.

"We have evidence that wolverines are loose in this country. Wolverines are fearless and ferocious and will drive a grizzly bear off a kill.

"I would advise anyone coming across one of these creatures to back off and get away as soon as possible."

Wolverines, a member of the stoat family, are native to North America.

Other animals Sgt Bell believes could have been responsible for the attacks include a large dog or a boar.

Mr Spence said: "Whatever did it was powerful enough to crack their ribcages as if they were twigs.

"My stockman, who has many years' experience, is completely baffled at the way these lambs have been killed.

"He says he has not seen anything like it.

"My children usually play around the farm, but I have told them not to go too far because I am worried."