A SUNBURNT and dehydrated newborn lamb had to be rescued by police after it was found dumped in Cheltenham.

The animal, believed to be about two days old, still had its umbilical cord attached when it was discovered by a group of children behind St Aiden's Church in Princess Elizabeth Way last Tuesday.

Police officers from Hesters Way were called to the scene and brought the baby lamb back to the police station.

PC Tania Kirby said: "We gave him a bit of water from a bottle and then he soon perked up. He was bleating and walking around the office for a good two hours, with a long nap in the middle, before being picked up by the RSPCA and taken to an orphaned and abandoned lamb sanctuary."

PC Kirby said she wished to thank the children and members of public who alerted the police.

She said: "I have no doubt that if he had been left any longer then he would have died very quickly as it was a very hot day and he was unsheltered and unable to look after himself,"