Three rustlers caught transporting sheep in the back of a car in Birmingham

(Image pixellated at source.) Photograph: West Midlands police
(Image pixellated at source.) Photograph: West Midlands police

Three men are being held by police on suspicion of sheep rustling after they were spotted hauling three sheep in the back of a people carrier through a suburban area.

West Midlands police said the officers, who were on patrol at the time, spotted the Ford Galaxy's unusual cargo in Yardley, Birmingham, on Tuesday night.

The police pursued the Galaxy, until the vehicle hit a parked car causing the men to abandon, leaving the sheep in the boot, a police spokesman said.

Officers tracked down three suspects after a search of nearby gardens. One was found up a tree and another was in a conservatory.

Police said three male Romanian nationals aged 22, 27 and 28 were in custody on suspicion of theft.

The three lambs have been rehomed at a farm in Sheldon as officers attempt to trace their owners.

Anyone with information to help trace the owner should call police on 101.