A GWENT borders farmer is counting the cost of a mystery shooting spree that left more than 20 of his sheep dead and 40 injured.

From his farm in Stroat, near Chepstow, Willy Guest, 48, said: "We discovered the devastation on Monday morning. I have only just recovered all the bodies, there are 23 in all but there may be more if some of the injured don't recover. The dead sheep were worth more than £1,000 but it's not just the money.

"I was so shocked when I saw what had happened. Almost all the dead sheep had been killed with a bullet to the head. It seems as though the flock of 400 had been chased round the field, maybe with dogs, and then someone took pot shots at them.

"Apart from the dead and injured the whole of that flock is really spooked, I'm not sure that they will ever really recover.

"I don't have any disagreements with anyone so I really can't understand it. Maybe some lampers came up the railway line and went crazy, I really don't know. I'm just concerned that the maniacs who did this will carry on and maybe end up shooting a person."

On Wednesday investigators from the RSPCA and the police examined the scene of the shootings.

RSPCA inspector David Johnson-Hill, 44, said: "I have never come across anything like it in 18 years in the society. Whoever committed this crime seems to have used an axe or large knife as well as what looks like a high-powered .22 rifle.

"It is very hard to say why anyone would massacre healthy sheep like this. If these people are caught we will certainly be prosecuting them for animal cruelty."

Sergeant Andy Johnson said: "This was a very serious incident and we are thoroughly investigating all the circumstances. At the moment we do not know the motive for this crime but we are determined to get to the bottom of it."

The police are appealing for anyone with any information to contact them on 0845 090 1234.