A teenager has been arrested in connection with the deliberate killing of sheep in North Dorset.

A vehicle trespassing in a field in the Tollard Royal area hit and killed 14 sheep and lambs.

Some of the animals were so seriously injured, several with broken legs, that they had to be shot.

A 17-year-old from the Verwood area has been arrested, interviewed and released under investigation.

PC Sebastian Haggett of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team made a video appeal on social media for information about the horrific crime.

Behind him in the field, eight of the dead sheep can be seen.

READ MORE: Driver 'deliberately killed' 14 sheep and lambs in North Dorset field

A total of 14 were killed as a result of the driver's actions which took place sometime between 7pm on Sunday (July 17) and 6.15 the following morning.

As the cruel crime is investigated further, police are appealing for anyone with information to share it with them online at Dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting reference 55220115601.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity crime stoppers online or call them on 0800 555 111.