A WARNING has been issued after 18 chickens were stolen from a plot of land in Salterforth.

Police are appealing for information after 11 Black Rock and seven Warren chickens were taken from near the Anchor pub in Salterforth.

A spokesman for the police, writing on the Colne and West Craven Police's Facebook page, said: "Chickens were stolen from Salterforth from land near to the Anchor pub.

"There are allegedly more missing from a nearby hen hut.

"Has someone suddenly accumulated a number of Black Rock hens?

"The retired owner is genuinely distressed."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 and quote crime number EG1602349 or email 1443@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.