DESPITE a period of more than six weeks since a much-loved pet sheep was stolen from a local residence, its owners have not given up hope that she may be found and returned home.

The animal, which has been loved and cared for by Dee Kasthuri-Hart, who owns and runs borough-based Ivy & Hart Crafts, was stolen early last month from her premises in Bulphan.

Dee says: "On Monday, 7 July sometime in the evening our field fence was compromised and one of our sheep stolen.

"This is extremely upsetting for us as she has been our pet for the last four years and now our other animals are heartbroken. Her sister is missing her terribly. We are heartbroken too.

"This happened on Fen Lane, Bulphan, close to China Lane. If anyone has heard, seen or knows anything please message me directly. She had a blue ear tag and was sheared."

Dee adds: "The details of this offence have been recorded under the classification of Residential Burglary of Unconnected Building (Non-Dwelling) on Crime Reference Number 42/96357/25. The police logged it and closed it immediately without any contact or investigation.

"There seems to be a spate of livestock thefts at the moment. If anyone has any information, please call me on 07791587267."