THREE cows and a calf were stolen after they were let out of a field in North Dorset.

The cattle are believed to have been taken from Caundle Marsh sometime between 11am on Thursday, July 18 and 8.15am the following day.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “This was a deliberate act as the field gate had to be opened by hand and had a spring catch mechanism.

“When the owner located his animals on the road, he discovered that three were missing. They are believed to have been stolen.

“It was evident that the cows had tried to get up over a steep bank, and this is likely to have happened because the cows were spooked by something.

“They are currently also in calf (15-18 months).

“The cattle ID information of the missing animals is: 131 (black and white) - UK341260302003 (ear tag) 215 (black and white) - UK341260102057 (ear tag) 515 (red) - UK341260202037 (ear tag)."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting 55190111299.