Thieves broke into a farm and stole a calf in what police have described as an "unusual" theft.

The 70 kilo animal was taken from Five Oaks Farm at Stane Street in Billingshurst.

Police believe it was taken between 6pm on October 30 and 7am on October 31.

It has a metal ear tag with the last four digits of 4944.

The farm has a 100-strong herd, and thieves would have had to have gone through two gates to enter the barn where the calf was kept.

It is 100 yards off the road.

Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter said: "We are very keen to see the calf reunited with its rightful owner and would urge anyone with information to get in touch.

"A calf is an unusual subject for a theft and therefore we are hoping someone will have seen or will know the whereabouts of this animal."

Anyone with information should report it to Sussex Police online or call 101 and quote reference 601 of 31/10.

Have you been affected by a crime in Brighton and Hove or in Sussex? Contact the crime reporter on 01273 021383 or email: aidan.barlow@theargus.co.uk