Five sheep were killed after being hit by a car in the early hours of this morning between Ashby and Coalville.

The incident happened on the A511 between Sinope and Hoo Ash Island - and the road had to be closed in both directions.

Leicestershire Police posted a message on social media overnight which urged drivers to find an alternative route.

The incident happened between Sinope and Hoo Ash Island. Photo: Instantstreetview.com

It later emerged that a group of sheep had found their way on to the busy route and the collision killed most of the animals - leaving one of them injured.

But the driver was not injured in the incident and the road was re-opened shortly before 4am.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: "Just after 2.15am this morning (Friday) a report was received that a car had collided with a number of sheep on the A511.

"Officers attended and found that five sheep had died as a result of the collision and another one was injured.

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"The animals were taken away by their owner and the road reopened just after 3.45am."