Appeal after sheep found dead in Lichfield

Officers were contacted at 11.25am on Tuesday, January 14, after the animal's carcass was found in woodland near a field on Abnalls Lane, Lichfield. 

An officer from Staffordshire Police's county proactive and rural team (CPART) carried out enquiries in the area to find out more about what happened. 

At this stage, officers have said that they think the sheep may have been stolen from the field on Sunday, January 12. 

Officers now believe that several sheep and lambs have been taken from the field over the last three months, with officers being keen to speak to people who have seen anything suspicious in the area or those with information that can help with the investigation.

'Be alert'

Officers are also urging farmers and livestock keepers in the area to be alert, check stock and report any suspicious activity to us.

Chief superintendent Emily Clarke, strategic lead for rural crime, said: "While it remains unclear how the sheep came to be fatally injured we want to reassure livestock owners and the rural community across the county that we are committed to supporting them.

“We have liaised with the owners offering them reassurance and advice.

“Due to their remote locations, it is important that our rural communities feel reassured that we are here to act on their concerns – and we understand what matters to them."

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Staffordshire Police on their 101 number, or the Live Chat function on their website quoting incident number 185 of 14 January.