POLICE are investigating the theft of around 50 sheep from a farm in north Dorset.

The sheep were all ewes about to lamb and were a mixture of two breeds – North of England Mule and Lleyn.

Rural police say the animals were stolen from a field in the area of Hayward’s Lane near Child Okeford between 6pm on Tuesday and 7am on Wednesday.

There were a total of 150 sheep in the field, and the 50 ewes taken were all tagged.

Police Constable Rob Hammond, of North Dorset police, said: “This incident involved the theft of a large number of animals and has clearly caused considerable distress and inconvenience for the farmer involved as these sheep need expert care in their condition.

“We are carrying out a number or enquiries to identify those responsible. We have also carried out extra patrols in the area.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the theft or any suspicious vehicle activity in the area overnight from Tuesday, April 17, into Wednesday, April 18, to contact police.

“I would also urge farmers to check their fields and flocks as sheep may have been put into a field nearby.”

Officers are asking farmers in the area to call the police if they receive any suspicious callers or visitors and, if so, to take down their registration number.

Farmers are also being advised to fit gate alarms which send alerts to mobile phones.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call police on 101, quoting the number 55180057715.