THIEVES stole a tractor and live birds from a North Dorset farm during a raid.

During the theft, which took place near Sandford Orcas in Sherborne on Saturday, February 10, a grey Massey Ferguson tractor was driven straight through a padlocked wooden gate.

Police investigating the incident say vehicle tracks indicate the tractor was driven along a lane heading towards the Marston Magna Road.

Around 20 Indian game chickens and six runner ducks were also stolen. The chickens are either black or black and speckled grey, while the ducks are cream-coloured with white flecks on their throats.

The thieves also stole a tool box and a generator.

Anyone with information about the incident, which took place sometime between 11am and 8pm, should contact police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting 55180021936.