Meat from rustled sheep in Northumberland 'on sale'

Meat from stolen livestock could be on sale in Northumberland following a spate of sheep rustling in Tynedale.

About 150 animals were taken from farms in Kirkwhelpington, Harle and Bardon Mill between the end of November and early February.

Northumbria Police said they have been working closely with farmers and visiting cattle markets in a bid to trace the stolen sheep.

The force wants to hear from anyone suspicious about meat offered for sale.

West Tynedale Inspector Dave Thornhill said: "We'd like to appeal to anyone who knows anything about these incidents, or the stealing of any livestock, to come forward and speak to us.

"If anyone has seen anything suspicious in any of the areas where these sheep have been taken from I'd urge them to contact police.

"If anyone has been offered any of the animals for sale or offered meat from anything other than genuine and established sources we want to know."