POLICE are facing a compensation claim after a dog guarding Prime Minister Tony Blair savaged sheep belonging to a local farmer.

The attack happened as police officers patrolled land close to the Prime Minister's home, Myrobella, at Trimdon Colliery, near Sedgefield, County Durham.

Douglas Robinson, of Hutton Henry, lost at least one ram in the attack, which happened when police dog Chance ran into his field.

An unconfirmed number of sheep were killed, and Mr Robinson is believed to have applied for more than £1,000 compensation from police.

Officers have unofficially described the incident, which occurred last October, as "a tragic accident". It is believed the police have tried to settle the claim for the one animal, and they are awaiting vet's reports from Mr Robinson.

Yesterday, Mr Robinson refused to speak about the incident but a friend, who asked not to be named, said the farmer was having a hard time trying to get compensation for the incident.

The Blairs were home at the time and it is thought Chance has continued its duty around the area.

It is not the first police incident concerning the PM's home. Last year, a shot was fired by an officer guarding the property when he was startled by a pigeon while on duty outside Myrobella.