Six sheep stuck on cliff ledge after 'chase by dogs'

Six sheep have been rescued from a cliff after being stuck on a ledge for more than 24 hours.

The animals, along with four others, were chased over a cliff in Jersey by "pet dogs", fire crews said.

Two of the rare Manx sheep fell to their deaths in the initial chase on Sunday at Greve Du Lecq at about 12:00.

A further two sheep, including one ram, died after falling during the rescue attempt.

Officers said the animals were "clearly in distress" when they found them, and although they were able to rescue one on Sunday they had to postpone further rescue attempts until Monday.

More on the rescue attempt, and other news from the Channel Islands

A spokesman for the fire service said the dogs were "believed to be with their owner" but added they were not on leads and could not be "brought under control" before they chased the sheep.

Fire crews resumed rescue operations earlier using specialist rope equipment to access the shelf of the cliff where the sheep were trapped.

Watch commander Paul McGrath said: "Jersey Fire and Rescue would like to urge dog owners to keep their pets under control and on a lead when walking near to livestock.

"Although dogs may have only playful intent, livestock and other farm animals often misinterpret this, causing them to flee."

Local shepherd, Aaron Le Couteur, confirmed the sheep in difficulty were of the Manx Loaghtan breed that had been brought to the island by the National Trust for Jersey to help re-establish the population.