Cows stolen from Amerton Farm near Stafford

The theft of the cows from Amerton Farm was discovered after animal blood was found, say police

A police inquiry is under way after cows were injured as thieves took them from a well-known farming attraction.

The theft from Amerton Farm, near Stafford, comes after a cow was found dead at a nearby farm that had been "harvested" for meat, said police.

Three cows were taken from the farm, at Stowe-by-Chartley, sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning, Staffordshire Police said.

Animal blood was left at the scene and a gate forced open, the force said.

Police are also investigating the killing of the cow on 18 October, at a farm on Drointon Lane in Grindley. The animal was found by its owner.

Parts of the cow had been harvested for meat, the force confirmed.

Amerton Farm said it was "deeply saddened" by the theft, which involved several "beloved" calves.

Staff said they were enhancing security at the farm to combat more thefts.

Both incidents are being investigated, and officers are "continuing to progress lines of enquiry at pace," said Insp Rebecca Evans.

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