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

Otley resident found the first dead sheep close to the Cow and Calf Rocks on Ilkley moor several days ago.

But on Tuesday, while running on Burley Moor, he made the grim discovery of another dead sheep which has had its head removed.

One sheep appeared to have had its fleece removed, while the other had had its fleece removed and its body was blackened on one side.

Dominic 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.

The Council had confirmed it will look into the incidents, once it has full information from Mr Hignett.

"I thought it was really strange and I wondered 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 even a large dog would have the strength to decapitate a sheep.

He discovered the first sheep by a path above the Cow and Calf Rocks on Ilkley Moor. The second dead animal, which he believes was freshly killed, was near Burley Woodhead.

"It looked like it was done just the night before." he said.

A Bradford Council spokesman confirmed that its environmental health department had received a report of two dead sheep as is looking into it.