Fleeced! Crofter’s entire f lock taken

THIEVES have stolen a crofter’s entire flock of sheep.

Police officers on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides are appealing for information following the theft of 32 sheep from the Laxay Common grazing area. It is shared by crofters in the South-east of the island.

The stolen sheep – many of which were pregnant – had been left out to graze between February 12, and April 2. After a round-up, it was discovered 32 had disappeared along with 23 unborn lambs.

The missing animals are described as being a mix of Mules, Texel, Beltex crosses, black-faced and Oxford crosses.

They were marked with green spray between their shoulders, along with either blue, green, red or purple signs made on their backs.

Extensive searches have been carried out – but with no trace being found.

Constable Rick Henderson, from Stornoway police station, said: ‘Due to the number of sheep missing, it is possible that a vehicle, such as a trailer, was used to remove them from the area.

‘We are keen to speak with anyone who witnessed the theft, or saw any suspicious activity in the area.

‘We are also interested in speaking with anyone who believes that they may have been offered the sale of these sheep recently.’