SHEEP rustlers have struck in East Lancashire for the second time in two weeks.

Landowner John Haworth, the latest victim, fears the theft could mean the end of the line for one pedigree breed.

Eight crown pedigree lambs and 10 neutered lambs, worth nearly £3,500, were stolen from Angram Green Farm in Worston in the Ribble Valley.

A similar incident has occurred in Slaidburn.

Police have released details only now in case the sheep had merely gone missing, but they now fear rustlers have struck.

Mr Haworth said he has been left "dumbfounded" by the theft. "We just never thought it would happen to us but this blow is absolutely devastating," he said.

"Our prime male died so these lambs were the potential replacements to keep the pedigree line alive. The breed has already been devastated by foot and mouth so this could be the end of the line."

Thomas Binns, a neighbouring farmer and vice-president of the Lancashire branch of the National Farmers Union, called the situation "very alarming".

He said: "It is very worrying to think that East Lancashire is suffering a spate of organised and professional rustling. There must be a professional team behind this to be able to get away with it so cleanly. They know what they are doing."

It is thought the lambs - marked with black circles on the near left rump - and the 19 pregnant ewes taken from Clough Farm fields, Catlow Road, Slaidburn, a week earlier will have been sold on for meat.

Sergeant Ian Kirk of Clitheroe Police said: "This is very worrying and a terrible blow especially after foot and mouth when farmers are working so hard to restock.

"We would ask everyone to be vigilant and notify the police of any unusual movements and contact police immediately."

Police and farmers are growing increasingly concerned at the similarity and planning of the thefts as the exact number of animals to fit in a small trailer or cattle van have been taken in both incidents.

Police believe at least two rustlers are behind the haul and are relying on witnesses to help catch the culprits.

Mr Haworth said: "We just can't believe it has happened to us after everything with foot and mouth. Nothing like this has happened to us before."

Mr Binns said that prices of some sheep have doubled since foot and mouth and that demand for livestock has risen dramatically.

Anyone with more information should contact PC Pat Sutton on 01200 458 7119.