SICK hooligan drivers are using their vehicles to batter sheep to death in York.

Up to six animals have suffered a brutal death on Strensall Common in the past six weeks.

Police believe youths have been driving on to the 1,400-acre green space at night and chasing the large flock for "sport".

Some of the animals have been left in agony with broken legs for several days, before being discovered and put down.

Another badly-wounded sheep caught fire as it was trapped between the red-hot exhaust of a car and the ground.

Officers are appealing to ramblers, dog walkers and joggers to be their "eyes and ears" and help them track down those responsible.

Farmer Chris Dunn, 64, who keeps 600 sheep on Strensall Common, said: "I've been farming sheep all my life and I have never seen anything like this.

"They're just bulldozing these animals down. It seems they are running them down for the sheer sport of things.

"We don't know if it's joy-riders getting a kick out of this. It's very cruel and the damage has been horrendous."

Mr Dunn discovered the first dead animal at the beginning of September. Heavy tyre marks were found surrounding the body.

He believes cruel drivers are getting on to the common at night and then catching the flock unaware as most of the sheep are asleep.

He said the thugs may be using stolen vehicles as the rough ground and impact of a large sheep would badly damage most cars.

PC John Hebblethwaite, who is investigating the deaths, said the culprits were "despicable".

He said: "It's disgusting that an animal should be run down and killed in this way. I'm appealing for anyone who uses the common, dog walkers, joggers, whoever, to get in touch if they have seen or heard anything."

He added that York Police were working closely with the Royal Military Police, who are responsible for Strensall Barracks, to increase patrols in the area.

Strensall Common is the largest area of heath land remaining in the region and has been designated a special area of conservation.

It is owned by the Army, who purchased the land in the 1870s and still use it for rifle ranges and weapons testing. There are limited rights of way for the public.

Anyone who has seen suspicious vehicles in the area of Strensall Common is asked to phone York Police on 0845 60 60 24 7.

Updated: 09:53 Wednesday, October 13, 2004