AVON and Somerset Police have managed to stop a case of sheep rustling.

Officers discovered five pregnant ewes in the back of a transit van that failed to stop on the A403 Aust Road, Pilning, at about 11.40pm on Thursday, February 16.

The vehicle was later found abandoned nearby with the sheep inside.

While officers were making enquiries to trace the animals’ owner, a report came in of the theft of five sheep from a field in Almondsbury.

The ewes have been positively identified and returned to their owner and an investigation continues into the theft.

The van was found to be uninsured and on false number plates.

Neighbourhood Sgt Darren Warr said: “We take livestock theft very seriously and have an Avon and Somerset Rural Crime Team which focuses on tackling this and other issues affecting the rural community.

“As well as having a significant impact on farmers and smallholders there are animal welfare, health and hygiene issues which make this sort of crime a concern for the wider public.

“Criminals are not likely to follow the strict guidelines on transporting and slaughtering animals before selling them into the food chain.

"We ask anyone involved in the supply chain for meat products, especially for human consumption, not to create a market for stolen livestock."

Sgt Warr asked anyone with any information which could help police enquiries into the theft to get in touch online, or by ringing 101, quoting reference 5217035938.

Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.