A farmer has warned dog walkers he will shoot at out-of-control animals after two of his sheep were mauled to death this week.

Edward Mogford made the stark warning he would do everything he could to protect his livestock after a dog attacked his flock on Sunday evening.

One of his ewes was found dead and another suffered such bad injuries it had to be put down.

Mr Mogford said the attack was the worst he had suffered on his land at Bowstridge Farm, Chalfont St Giles, for a number of years - and is particularly concerned as it came during the lambing season.

He said the police have been informed of the latest incident and he would seek to prosecute the owner of the dog who attacked his sheep.

Mr Mogford, who has been renting Bowstridge Farm for the last ten years, said: "It must have been a big dog to have done this - that's the most worrying factor.

"We get a bit of dog worrying but this is the worst attack we've had for a number of years. Four or five years ago we prosecuted someone for an incident in the very same field.

"There's a lot of footpaths in the surrounding fields. Most people look after their dogs but some people don't. I've put signs up pleading for people to keep them under control, especially at lambing time.

"If they disturb and chase after sheep, they will be shot. It's a stark message but that's the reality of people looking after their dogs."

The farmer, who keeps around 2,500 sheep, added: "We don't want to do it - I'm a dog person - but if it keeps happening we won't be able to keep sheep in the field and we'll have to look elsewhere."

The attack is believed to have happened at around 7pm on Sunday, March 15. Anyone with information should contact Thames Valley Police on 101.