POLICE are investigating after 26 sheep, all heavily in lamb, were stolen from North Yorkshire.

The ewes were all taken from the Helmsley area in Ryedale between 4pm on Thursday, January 19 and 8am the following morning.

The livestock were mules and tagged with UK121021 - although police believe the tags are likely to have been removed. They also had a blue mark on the near hind leg.

Extensive damage was also caused to the farm’s fencing by the thieves to gain access to the sheep.

Officers are now investigating.

Anyone with any information, including sightings or suspicious activity, should report it to North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting log 12170011121.