Distress after 19 pregnant sheep stolen from farm

Police are appealing for witnesses after 19 pregnant sheep were stolen from a farm.

The theft occurred at Chadwick Manor Farm, in Lydiate Ash, north Worcestershire, between around 18:00 BST on the evening of Monday 31 March and 09:00 on Tuesday 1 April. The farm is near junction 4 of the M5.

The livestock stolen were all ewes who were in lamb, with West Mercia Police saying this would have caused distress to the animals involved.

The force said inquiries were ongoing.

Sarah Sceats, rural and business officer for north Worcestershire, said: "The farmers are understandably distressed by the damage to their livelihood but also for the welfare of the sheep who were in lamb when they were stolen.

"It would have taken a larger vehicle, possibly with a trailer, to take them, so we are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything or possibly has dashcam or CCTV footage to call 101 quoting reference number 328i of April 2."

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