Over 270 sheep stolen in theft described as 'huge loss for the farmer'

It is estimated the sheep and lambs are worth between £18,000 and £20,000
It is estimated the sheep and lambs are worth between £18,000 and £20,000

Over 270 sheep have been stolen overnight near Bridgwater, Somerset in what the police has described as a "huge loss for the farmer".

Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for more information following the large theft from land at Steart Marshes near Bridgwater.

The 92 ewes and 184 lambs were taken overnight between Thursday 10 and Friday 11 May and are a mix of breeds, although the majority of them are Pedigree Easy care ewes.

This breed of ewe is very unusual and should therefore be easily spotted if they’re being held in a field, the police said.

Pedigree Easy care ewes often look skinny and or bald as they shed their wool once it grows a few centimetres long, fields in which they’re kept will be full of the wool the sheep have shed.

Avon and Somerset Police Beat Manager Tony Freeman said the theft is a "huge loss" for the farmer as it’s estimated the sheep and lambs are worth between £18,000 and £20,000.

"The sheep are not only unusual in their breed but they are also marked on their backs in green, numbers range between 1 and 400," Mr Freeman said.

If you see sheep or lambs matching this description in the area, or have information on their whereabouts please call 101 quoting the reference 5218103055.