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Couple is said to have been killed by sheep

Theo

A New Zealand man and woman are believed to have been killed by a sheep after their bodies were found in a paddock in Waitakere, west of Auckland.

The pair were found dead by police in the paddock of their Anzac Valley Road address before 7.30am on Thursday.

In a statement, New Zealand Police confirmed there was a ram in the paddock at the time officers were notified.

Another person at the scene of the accident was slightly injured by the animal’s attack.

The police were also confronted and spoken to by the ram.

Male sheepMale sheep

Police believe a ram, which was shot after confronting officers who arrived at the scene, is responsible for the deaths of a couple at a Waitakere property on Thursday. Image: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

“While conducting a risk assessment, the ram was shot and died at the scene,” a New Zealand Police spokesman said.

“A crime scene investigation was underway today and has now been completed.”

Police are continuing to carry out investigations on behalf of the coroner to establish all the circumstances surrounding the incident in the paddock.

Autopsies will be conducted on Friday.

Dean Burrell, family spokesman and nephew of one of the deceased, said the retired couple were in their early 80s and had lived on the property for eight years.

“Unfortunately they both died in a tragic accident. They are nice people and they don’t deserve this,” Mr Burrell told the NZ Herald.

Dean Burrell, the nephew of one of the deceased, said the retired couple had lived at the property for eight years. Image: Queensland Police via NCA NewsWireDean Burrell, the nephew of one of the deceased, said the retired couple had lived at the property for eight years. Image: Queensland Police via NCA NewsWire

Dean Burrell, the nephew of one of the deceased, said the retired couple had lived at the property for eight years. Image: Queensland Police via NCA NewsWire

“Everyone is shocked at what happened. They are very upset.

“Actually, I feel like I dreamed it. It was a bit of a shock when I was told what had happened and I just couldn’t believe it.”

Mr Burrell said the pair were hobby farmers with some sheep, chickens and cattle.

Other neighbors spoke of the couple as a “quiet couple” and only learned of their deaths after police and emergency services flooded the quiet street.

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