SHEEP were drowned in the River Tyne at Hexham on Sunday following an horrific attack by dogs.

As many as 12 sheep died following the sheep worrying incident at Bridge End Farm.

Families walking at Tyne Green Country Park witnessed the attack from the other side of the river.

Shortly before 3pm, two dogs got into a field full of sheep where they began worrying the animals.

The 50-strong flock is owned by Bradley Norwood, who lives in Cumbria.

The animals were wintering at Ridley Armstrong’s farm in Hexham when the attack took place.

Many of the ewes were pregnant and due to return to Cumbria for lambing.

Mr Amstrong said: “Two black dogs were herding the sheep into the river which was in spate. I had to try to separate the dogs from the sheep as best I could.

“The dogs were biting sheep, one or two had bite marks on their faces.

“I managed to haul one sheep out of the river on the Tyne Green side. We lost 10, maybe 12 sheep.

“And we don’t know how many pregnant ewes will now abort due to the stress of the attack.”

Mr Norwood’s mother, Mandy Norwood, added: “We are absolutely devastated. My son has built the herd up since he was a teenager.”

Northumbria Police were called to the scene and seized both dogs. The dog owner has been traced and inquiries are ongoing.

Neighbourhood Inspector Pam Bridges said: “We want to remind dog owners to make sure their dogs are kept under control at all times.”