STAFF at a Sedgley animal sanctuary have been left heartbroken after five animals were suspected to have been stolen from the popular site.

The team at Brockswood Animal Sanctuary have launched an urgent appeal to find the three sheep and two turkeys that are believed to have been snatched overnight between Monday May 25 and Tuesday May 26.

Neil Swan, director of the facility on Catholic Lane, said the discovery was "horrendous" and pleaded for anyone with information to contact the police or the sanctuary directly.

He said: " We are completely heartbroken and very concerned for their welfare. These are not just turkeys and sheep; they are family to us. They are Trevor, Clarissa, Rose, Florence and Minnie.

"Trevor is a slate grey turkey and Clarissa is a Norfolk black. Rose, Florence and Minnie are all Soay type ewes. Rose and Florence both have curved horns and Mini has short stubby horns. All are quite skittish. They are old and starting to look it – they need us.

"These are all old animals, some of which were undergoing special care and treatment and will continue to need this from us."

Staff discovered the animals had disappeared when they completed their early morning rounds of the site today (Tuesday, May 26).

It is believed the animals were lifted over the site's perimeter fence and Neil has reported the matter to the police.

Neil told the News the incident shows the need for extra security at the 16 acre site.

He said: "Our supporters have been really good and got us through but I have reached the point now where we need more security.

"I would rather spend the money on the animals and rescuing more animals but their safety is paramount, we're here to look after them."

The News reported last month how Brockswood had been left with no income to help fund the care of the 450 animals who call the sanctuary home after it closed to visitors in March when lockdown was imposed.

In an impressive display of dedication, staff even moved into the site at Cotwall End so they could stay well to continue looking after the hundreds of animals at Brockswood.

Thanks to the generosity of people's donations following the launch of a Go Fund Me page, Brockswood raised more than £5,000 to cover their ongoing running costs.

Staff are now in the process of planning how to safely reopen when given the green light by the government and are cautiously optimistic they will be be able to open in July.

Neil added: "It's been a really difficult few weeks but we are making amendments to the site so it is safe, such as a one-way system.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone that has supported us, we would have struggled to survive without them."

West Midlands Police have been contacted for comment.