A LAMB has been stolen from a farm in Hampshire - and police believe it will be slaughtered and eaten.

The seven-month-old was snatched from its paddock near Romsey during the night on Thursday.

PC Steve Rogerson said: “It is likely that the lamb was lifted over the fence and it will probably be used for food, as it is unlikely that it could be sold on to live with another flock."

The thieves struck between 9pm on Thursday and 6am on Friday at a paddock off the A3057 near Mottisfont.

“The stolen lamb had tags in each ear, an orange one, and a yellow one, with the tag number 03715," PC Rogerson added.

Anyone with information is urged to call Hampshire Police on 101.