FORTY four sheep were stolen from a field close to Longdon Hall in Longdon, Tewkesbury.

The theft took place between 12pm on Sunday and 8am on Tuesday.

A thief has driven into the field's entrance and cut off the padlock and chain securing the farm gate.

Sheep hurdles have been moved closer to the road and 44 pedigree Beltex sheep have been stolen.

Trailer tyre tracks were found in the gate entrance.

The 44 pedigree Beltex ewes included 20 yearling ewes and 24 two-year-old ewes.

All had red dots on the shoulder and would have the herd number UK311981 on tags in their ears.

They will also have a yellow tag in one ear or an orange or green tag in the other.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious should call 101 and quote reference number 0096S 251016.