A FLOCK of sheep was stolen from a field near Colwall this week.

The loss of 23 sheep, worth more than £1,600, from a field at Parkwood, Brockhill Road, was discovered at 8am on Tuesday. They had last been seen on Sunday.

Owner Meriel Picton believes the thieves targeted the best breeding animals from her 72-strong Texel flock, which had only recently been moved to the other side of the family farm.

She said she did not know how the animals were taken, as there were no signs of fences being cut, trampled grass or vehicle tracks.

The theft has put a serious dent in her plans for the flock.

"I'm really furious," said Ms Picton. "Farming is difficult enough without this sort of thing happening."

Some of the stolen animals, including two with grey fleeces, have a tuft of wool on their heads and they all have silver ear-tags.

Anyone with information should contact police on 08457 444888, quoting incident number 56C/200905.