Livestock rustlers have stolen a large number of pigs from a farm in North Dorset.

A total of 21 Large White pigs were taken from a farm in the Ibberton area sometime between Thursday, February 24 and Thursday, March 3.

The police are concerned that the animals will be slaughtered and sold - illegally - into the food chain.

Police constable Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “We would urge members of the public with any information about this incident to please get in touch with us.

“We would also like to advise that meat from illegally slaughtered animals is not safe to eat and should not be entering the food chain.

"If you have been offered meat you suspect to have been illegally produced and may be linked to this matter, please get in contact.

“Livestock theft is a serious issue and can have significant consequences for farmers.

“I would appeal to anyone who has seen anything suspicious in the area that may be related to this incident to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email at 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220041191.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.