Sheep killed in Co Down for second time in days

A farmer has told UTV he is “devastated” after three of his sheep were killed in Ballyholland, Co Down.

Police said it was the second such “brutal attack” in the local area in recent days.

Gerald Travers discovered the animals lying in a ditch with stab wounds on his farm on Friday night.

“I just went into the field to check them and count them and make sure they were all there and there was three short,” he explained.

“So I went into another field and three sheep were lying in the bottom ditch dead with a stab wound in their throat and their ears cut off.

“It’s devastating to see it, when you go into the field it’s the last thing you think you’re going to see or want to see.”

Police are investigating the incidents and have asked for help from the public.

Chief Inspector Roy Robinson said: “I am appealing that anyone with information that can assist with the investigation contact officers in Newry on 101.”