A man jumped a fence in a country park after being caught trying to steal a sheep.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man went into a field in Aldenham Country Park on August 2, at around 9.10pm, and picked up a sheep by its legs from a pen.

The would-be thief dropped the sheep and ran towards the car park, jumping a fence after he was disturbed by staff.

The sheep was not hurt.

The suspect is described as a male of stocky build with short, shaven hair and was wearing what is described as a Hawaiian patterned vest top.

PC Iain Wise said: “This is an unusual event which I believe may have been witnessed by a number of people walking their dogs in the area.

“If you were in the area at the time and have any information which would be of assistance to my investigation, please call me.”

Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident, is asked to contact the police through the non-emergency number 101.