RUSTLERS have stolen more than 100 sheep worth more than £9,000 from a County Durham farm attraction.

The 136 Suffolk cross lambs – worth about £70 each or £9,520 in total – were taken from Broom House Farm, near Witton Gilbert, from a field about one mile from the farmhouse.

Farmer Mark Gray, 48, said: “I was very shocked and surprised that they’d managed to pinch them.”

He and his wife, Jane, and children Emma and William, have run the farm since 1999, but he has never before had sheep stolen in 28 years in farming.

The lambs were among 275 gathered in the field and ready to be put onto a wagon and taken for sale on Thursday of last week.

Police believe the theft must have taken at least half an hour, more if it was carried out in darkness, and a small wagon must have been used.

PC Kevin Hall, of Durham Police, is investigating and appealed for anyone with information to call the nonemergency number, 101, quoting the crime reference number DHM-07082014-0141 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

Broom House Farm is a working farm with Aberdeen Angus cattle and a large flock of Lleyn sheep, a small herd of Saddleback pigs and a flock of laying hens, plus some arable crops, and is a multi-award winning visitor attraction.

It boasts a butchery, coffee shop, children’s forest adventure and adventure trail and hosts many school visits.