FARMERS are being investigated for making bogus compensation claims and illegally moving livestock, West Mercia police revealed today.

The probe is separate from investigations launched by trading standards officers, meaning the incidents will be treated as criminal offences.

The operation, based at Stourport-on-Severn Police Station, is being led by Det Supt John Cashion.

But the force today said the location was no indication of where the suspected farmers lived and refused to disclose where in the three counties officers were investigating.

The news broke as the Worcestershire NFU chairman revealed farmers were becoming increasingly frustrated with the way the Government was handling the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Richard Jordan warned a lack of information and confusion over policy was adding to the pressure they were already under as he accused the Government of peddling "false accusations" about illegal movements and compensation cheats.

"I've heard lots of rumours," said Mr Jordan, who has a farm in Inkberrow. "If farmers are moving livestock around, whether they're diseased or not, then the police will find that in their investigations. But you can't go slinging false accusations around. The Government is trying to lay the blame on somebody."

He accused MAFF of sending out confusing messages, warned farmers were becoming more and more angry at the lack of information, and claimed the welfare of livestock disposal scheme was out of control.

"There are more than 1.5 million animals on the list, but only 60,000 have been slaughtered. We desperately need better information. It would help if policy didn't keep changing," he said.

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced two more cases in Worcestershire. Around 4,600 sheep at Kempsey Common have been slaughtered on suspicion of being infected. Vets concluded there was enough clinical evidence to dispatch the sheep grazing at Common Farm and Stonehall Farm.

Another 4,954 sheep and 17 cattle at Saldons Farm in Himbleton, Worcestershire, have been earmarked for slaughter after the farm was confirmed as infected premises yesterday.

Little Castlefields at White Rocks, Garway Hill, Herefordshire, has also been hit, MAFF said.