More than a dozen sheep have been killed in a "savage" dog attack in a Hertfordshire village.

Standon's Wellpond Green was the site of the gruesome scene, with 17 sheep found dead at around 8am on Wednesday morning.

A dog has been seized as officers investigate, with Herts police saying: "We were called at around 8am on Wednesday, April 19, after several sheep were sadly discovered dead in a field in Wellpond Green. A total of 17 sheep were killed.

READ MORE: Neighbour reveals moment Letchworth stabbing victim knocked on door

"Officers are conducting enquiries to establish the circumstances around what happened, but it is currently believed they may have been attacked by a dog.

"A dog has since been seized as part of the investigation.

"Anyone with information is asked to please contact police on 101, quoting ISR 155 of 19 April, 2023."

Get more stories like this delivered to your inbox every week by signing up to The Comet In Brief newsletter.

Among the shocked and devastated residents was Sally Newton, East Herts Councillor for Hertford Bengeo, who saw the aftermath of the incident and said the sheep had been "savaged".

"For us a beautiful start to the day...for a farmer colleague near Standon a field of 6x sheep savaged to death and orphaned lambs due to dog attack," she tweeted.

"Photos not suitable too upsetting to send. Not the first time said dogs have been free in the area."