Police are appealing for witnesses and are urging dog owners to keep their animals on a lead after a suspected livestock attack near Croxton Lane in Middlewich.

Cheshire Police's Rural Crime Team say they were called to the incident at 10.49 am yesterday (Monday) after several sheep had escaped from their field.

A police spokesperson said: "We were alerted to a suspected livestock attack which resulted in a number of sheep escaping from their field. Sadly, several of the sheep entered the adjacent canal during the incident.

"Colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service quickly attended the scene and deployed their water-trained resources to assist in the recovery operation.

"The farmer also sought support from the Canal & River Trust, who helped rescue a number of the animals from the canal.

"Thankfully, several sheep were recovered alive and are now back in the care of the farmer, who is working tirelessly to help them recover from their ordeal.

"It is believed that a dog, off the lead, entered the land and caused the sheep to scatter in fear. Livestock worrying and attacks are a serious and costly issue for our hardworking farming community.

"The impact goes far beyond the immediate incident, with significant veterinary costs and distress to animals and farmers alike.

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"This is entirely avoidable. We remind dog owners to always keep dogs on a lead when exercising near farmland and to be mindful of livestock in surrounding fields.

"We are extremely grateful to our colleagues at Cheshire Fire and Rescue for their swift response, professionalism and teamwork in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion."

Police are asking anyone in the area at around 8.30 am yesterday (Monday) or who has any information which might help to contact them on 101 quoting IML2280836.

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