Fundraiser launched after £20,000 of sheep stolen from Cornish farm

A fundraising campaign has been launched to support a farming couple after thieves stole around £20,000 worth of livestock from their farm near Indian Queens.

64 sheep were taken from a locked field near the Halloon Roundabout between St Columb Major and Indian Queens between 3pm and 9.50pm on Saturday 18 July.

The stolen animals included mostly Texel-cross-Roussin sheep, along with a small number of Poll Dorset and North Country Mule sheep.

Police have appealed for anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward if they saw anything suspicious, including livestock trailers, lorries or anyone gathering or moving sheep. Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who saw a blue hatchback in the area.

Now, friend Lucy Shazell has launched an online fundraiser to help farmers Michael and Annie recover from the loss.

More than £500 has already been donated towards a £5,500 target.

Lucy said the theft had "effectively ended" the couple's income for the summer and left them heartbroken.

On the fundraising page she said: "This isn't just a loss of property; it is their entire livelihood.

"Because they have very little stock left, their income for this summer has effectively vanished. Beyond the financial ruin, they are completely heartbroken by the loss of the animals they cared for every day."

She said the money raised would help the couple replenish their flock for next year and cover essential living and farm costs while they rebuild.

Anyone with information about the theft, or with dashcam or CCTV footage, is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 or via its website quoting reference 50260189691.

You can donate to the appeal here.