FARMERS are being urged to watch out for criminals posing as MAFF officials during the foot and mouth outbreak.

West Mercia police say there has been a reported incident of theft in north Shropshire involving people who identified themselves as being from MAFF.

Bob Forster, of the West Midlands NFU, endorsed the call for farmers to be on their guard.

He said: "Farmers should always ask people for their identification and take names, telephone numbers etc. If genuine they will not mind.

"If in any doubt, farmers should ring MAFF to confirm the details or contact the local police."