ILKLEY Moor landowner Bradford Council is investigating a grisly report from a runner who stumbled across the bodies of two decapitated sheep.

Otley resident Dominic Hignett found the first dead animal close to the Cow and Calf Rocks several days ago.

On Tuesday, while running near Burley Woodhead, on Burley Moor, he made the grim discovery of another savaged sheep.

Both animals had their fleeces removed, while one was blackened on one side.

Mr Hignett reported the first find to Government farming and rural affairs department, Defra, but was advised to contact local authorities, who would track down and inform the farmer.

But after discovering the body of another sheep, also decapitated, he got in touch directly with Bradford Council officers.

“I thought it was really strange and I wondered if anyone else had seen anything,” he said.

Mr Hignett says there was no indication of how the animals were killed. There were no obvious footprints at either spot, and neither are close to a road. He does not believe a large dog would have the strength to decapitate a sheep.

Speaking about the second find, he added: “It looked like it was done just the night before.”

A Bradford Council spokesman confirmed its environmental health department had received a report of two dead sheep and is investigating the incidents.