AN elderly farming couple have issued an appeal to dog owners after a second attack on their sheep flock in a month.

Norman and Norma Wilson, from Low Doctor Pasture Farm, in Wolsingham, said they have been sickened by the attacks, which left 14 of their flock dead.

The couple said that they had never experienced such a savage attack on their livestock. They appealed for dog owners to keep their pets under proper control.

Mr Wilson said: "The attacks have been in late evening, after dark. We think there is enough evidence to point to the fact that there is more than one dog."

Their plea comes as police expressed concern about the rise in sheep worrying cases in the past six months. More than 30 animals have been injured and 18 killed between Wolsingham and Stanhope.

A further incident was reported in which sheep were killed at a farm in Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, two weeks ago.