RARE sheep, all due to give birth in a few days, have disappeared from a field in Sapperton, near Cirencester.

Gloucestershire police are appealing for information following the disappearance of 20, rare, black Hebridean sheep from a field which is part of the Bathurst Estate.

The sheep were all heavily pregnant and due to give birth in a few days.

They were in a secure field, with bolted gates, and were last seen by the owner at around 6pm on Wednesday, April 8.

There are concerns that they may have escaped and be frightened and hiding somewhere but despite an extensive search for miles around they have not been found.

Police would like to hear from anyone with further information or anyone who has seen these animals. Call 101 quoting incident number 105 of April 10 2015.