THE PSNI IS APPEALING for information following a report of sheep theft from the Co Antrim village of Broughshane.

A number of sheep, which are marked with blue spray on their heads but are not believed to have been tagged, were taken from the Knowhead Road area of Broughshane at some point between Monday and yesterday.

Chief Inspector Bryan Hume said that this type of crime is “very unusual for the area” and said that police are working hard to apprehend those involved.

“Police from across the district are working in order to find the missing livestock, as well as to bring those involved before the courts,” Hume said in a statement. “Local Neighbourhood Officers in the area are continuing to liaise directly with the rural community to ascertain information which may be useful to the investigation.”

“This is an extremely distressing time for those affected by this crime,” he added, “especially in the difficult economic environment facing the rural community.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the PSNI at Ballymena.