A SHEEP suffered fatal injuries and had to be put down after it was attacked.

Warning: this post shows graphic content that some readers may find upsetting.

Police from Wiltshire's Rural Crime Team and Salisbury CPT suspect the animal had been chased and bitten on the neck by a "large dog".

When the sheep was found by its farmer it had to be put down due to the severity of its injuries.

The attack took place in the Coombe Bissett area of Salisbury on Tuesday, April 18.

Wiltshire Police has issued an appeal and would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the attack.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Dog owners, perhaps your dog has been roaming freely in fields around Coombe Bissett and returned home with a bloody muzzle?

"For that is the scenario facing at least one dog owner living nearby or walking their pet on April 18."

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

South West Farmer: The sheep suffered a severe neck wound during the attack.The sheep suffered a severe neck wound during the attack. (Image: Wiltshire Police)

If you have any information call 101 and quote crime reference 54230040641.