Fourteen lambs have been killed and five injured in a field in the Highlands.

The young animals were attacked in the field close to the village hall at Watten, near Wick, between 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday.

Police are now appealing for witnesses who saw anything suspicious in the area to come forward.

The attack comes only days after Northern Constabulary reported a high number of calls from people in Caithness over dogs worrying sheep.

A number of farmers had phoned police to complain about pet owners allowing their dogs to run free.

A Northern Constabulary spokesman said he was unable to confirm whether it was dogs which had attacked the lambs.

He said: "It could have been dogs, but it could also have been foxes.

"We will not know what has killed the lambs until the vet carries out an examination."

Animal owners are being urged to keep their dogs on a short lead around livestock and during bird breeding season, from April to July.

They are also asked to keep away from cattle, which can act aggressively, and stay out of fruit and vegetable fields unless there is a clear path.