Police have confirmed they are now actively investigating a suspected case of sheep theft on the Isle of Lewis.

According to the owner of the animals, Ruth MacDonald, a crofter in Laxay, Lewis, the Police initially did not pursue the matter as they were unclear whether a crime had taken place. However, it has now emerged that officers intend to probe the matter further.

A total of 32 sheep –18 of which were in lamb – went missing on the moor and despite widespread searches and appeals there has still been no sign of them.

Read more: Ruth MacDonald’s Laxay Croft loses 32 in-lamb sheep

The missing sheep will have green spray over the shoulders and a 'raddle' mark on the backend, with 'Macdonald, 6 Laxay' on their ear-tags.

Constable Rick Henderson, from Stornoway Police Station, said: “Due to the number of sheep missing, it is possible that a vehicle, such as a trailer, was used to remove them from the area.

“We’re keen to speak with anyone who witnessed the theft, or saw any suspicious activity in the area. We’re also interested in speaking with anyone who believes they may have been offered the sale of these sheep recently.”