RUSTLERS have stolen more than 100 sheep together worth more than £9,000 from a popular farm attraction.

Police believe thieves stole the 136 Suffolk cross lambs from Broom House Farm, near Witton Gilbert, County Durham, overnight from Wednesday into Thursday (August 6-7), although the theft could have taken place earlier this week.

The lambs were being prepared for sale and were worth about £70 each, putting the total haul value at £9,520.

Broom House Farm owner Mark Gray said: “I was very shocked and surprised that they’d managed to pinch them.”

Mr Gray, 48, who has run the farm with wife Jane, and children Emma and William, since 1999, said he had never had any sheep stolen in 28 years in farming.

The lambs, mostly white with black legs and faces, were being gathered in a field less than a mile from the farmhouse, ready to be put onto a wagon and taken for sale yesterday (Thursday, August 7).

In all, there were about 275 in the field.

Farm workers realised some were missing shortly before they were due to be taken away.

Police believe the theft must have taken at least half an hour, more if it was carried out under cover of darkness, and a small wagon must have been used.

PC Kevin Hall, of Durham Police, is investigating and appealed for anyone with information to call the non-emergency number, 101, quoting the crime reference number DHM-07082014-0141 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

Broom House Farm is both a working farm, with Aberdeen Angus cattle and a large flock of Lleyn sheep, a small herd of Saddleback pigs and a flock of laying hens, plus some arable crops, and a renowned visitor attraction.

It boasts a highly rated butchery, popular coffee shop, children’s Forest Adventure and Adventure Trail and hosts many school visits.

The farm has won numerous regional and national awards, including in the UK Farm Retail Awards and from the National Farmers’ Retailers and Markets Association and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.