POLICE are hunting attackers who gouged a sheep's eyes out.

A farmer called police and a vet to his field in Wilton Lane, Eston, Teesside, after finding the traumatised animal.

The farmer and his wife, who wish to remain anonymous, were extremely upset by the incident.

It is the third attack on their sheep - previously the animals were hit over the head, possibly with a hammer.

PC Ian Solomon, Farm Watch officer for the area, said: "This is a disgusting attack on a defenceless animal resulting in appalling injuries and suffering.

"I cannot understand why this attack took place or what exactly happened, but the sheep must have been chased before this disgusting attack took place. The sheep suffered quite substantially at the hands of these people."

He said no similar cases had been reported in the area except those at the same farm.

"This farm appears to be a target. Someone must know the person or persons responsible."

Katy Geary, spokesperson for the RSPCA, said it was an appalling act of cruelty and mindless violence.

"To do this to an innocent animal is terrible and would have caused it immense pain.

"Thankfully, this sort of incident is fairly rare but often animals, and especially livestock, are picked on and hurt for no reason at all.

"The North-East is often called the cruelty area of the UK but we do see similar cases throughout the country."

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact PC Solomon on (01642) 326326.