Pregnant ewe 'skinned' in Sowton Village field
A pregnant ewe was skinned and then stolen from a Devon field, police have said.
The ewe's fleece was found on a small-holding in Sowton Village near Exeter on Sunday morning. A second pregnant ewe was also taken.
Police said it was not known what weapon was used but the "offender had a good knowledge of skinning".
Ros Baker, whose 19-year-old son owns the small-holding, said he was "horrified" by the incident.
She said: "He discovered two had been taken and we found the skinned fleece of one lying in the field and other pieces of skin around, it is very worrying."
Mrs Baker added the remaining sheep had been moved to a secure barn.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the animals had recently been wormed and would not be fit to eat.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police.