A FLOCK of sheep has been seized by police after the owners continually allowed them to roam free near Ross-on-Wye.

A shepherd and two sheepdogs were called to help round up the sheep, which were in the Clifford’s Mesne and May Hill areas.

The seven sheep are to be sold on at auction after the owners refused to hand over money to cover the cost of impounding the animals.

Police moved in following more than 40 reports of concern from members of the public since the start of the year.

PC Brian Howard, of Gloucestershire Police, said: “The problem of horses and sheep roaming free has been on our radar for a while, with residents reporting animals trashing gardens, fences and property.”