MORE THAN 20 small animals have been stolen from the grounds of a historic hall.

The most recent incident on Sunday morning saw four rabbits taken from Samlesbury Hall, leaving staff ‘devastated’.

One of the animals was a mother rabbit which had just had a litter of babies that are now having to be hand-reared.

A police investigation has been launched after earlier incidents in which four ducks, eight guinea pigs, 10 hens and another rabbit have gone missing.

Samlesbury Hall, which dates back to 1325, introduced animals to its three acres of grounds two years ago to appeal to young families who could observe and pet the creatures during visits.

The hall’s gardens are also home to several sheep, goats, chickens and two large Kune Kune pigs.

Hall Director Sharon Jones said: “There is no evidence that the animals escaped and there has been nothing left behind so it’s not down to dogs or foxes.

"Unfortunately we believe that they were taken.

"We have reported the incidents to the police and are stepping up security in an attempt to catch the culprits.

“Everyone here and our visitors are upset at the thefts and are extremely concerned about the welfare of all our missing animals.

“What makes things worse is that the latest theft included the mother of some newborn baby rabbits, so we are now hand-rearing the tiny bunnies.”

“The animals have become a huge part of the Samlesbury Hall family over the last few years.”

If anyone has any information about the missing animals, they are asked to contact the police.