Police recover stolen sheep in Shropshire after chase

A police pursuit in Shropshire ended with officers finding four sheep in the back of a vehicle. An appeal has been launched to find the farmer they belong to.

At about 1.30am on Tuesday 5 January, a vehicle failed to stop on the A454 near Bridgnorth.

The car was eventually stopped and police discovered the sheep, which are believed to have been stolen from a local farm.

Two men, aged 28 and 23, from Wolverhampton, were arrested for theft.

Inspector Nikki Roberts from West Mercia Police said: “I am really pleased we managed to rescue the sheep – now we just need to reunite them with their proper owners.

“I ask all nearby farmers to check their livestock to ensure none are missing and, if they are, contact us. Hopefully we can get the sheep home soon.

“Fortunately, sheep stealing is quite rare in the area, unlike in other parts of the country, and we believe this is an isolated case. However, we take all rural crime extremely seriously and understand the impact the theft of livestock can have on farmers and their livelihoods.”

Anyone with information or missing livestock in the area should call 101 quoting reference 21i of 5 January.