Warning after sheep killed in field

Jan 30 2009 By David Old

FOUR sheep were butchered in a “horrific” incident in Co Durham last night.

Police say the culprits took the remains of the animals but left blood, guts and the bodies of four unborn lambs at the scene of the killings in a Co Durham field.

And officers are warning the stolen meat is not safe for human consumption.

Inspector Kevin Tuck said: “We have been alerted by the farmer that the animals were wormed in the last two or three days. As such the meat is unfit for human consumption.

“No doubt those people responsible for this crime may be trying to sell this meat cheaply. We would advise people not to touch it and contact us as soon as possible.”

The sheep were being kept on land in Staindrop, Co Durham.

Farmers throughout the area are being alerted to the incident.

Insp Tuck, who described the scene of the crime as “horrific”, added: “We’re treating this as cruelty and theft. We also have a great concern over the consumption of this meat.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0345 6060365 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.