Farmland shots - Saddleworth police to take action

Dozens of motorists headed for Dovestones again last weekend, but were promptly turned away. Picture courtesy of Hannah-Rose Bennett

Police across two counties are collaborating in a joint operation after shots were heard across farmland in the South Pennines. 

A newly-born lamb has been orphaned in one of a series of incidents involving sheep being targeted in Saddleworth and the Holmfirth area.

Now the GMP Saddleworth Policing Team are planning to set up some “pro-active work” with a West Yorkshire police team in a bid to solve the problems.

One upset sheep farmer said: “We know of one ewe that is missing.

"We now have an orphan lamb.

“Her mother gave birth in our barn and after a couple of days the couple were put into our field. 

“Sadly the ewe has gone. They were both marked with smiley faces as it was a very difficult birth and we were  surprised they both survived.”

In another incident a farmer managed to rescue a lamb which was being bundled into a car at the roadside.

Meanwhile, dozens of motorists continued to ignore Government guidelines to stay at home at the weekend and headed for Dovestone reservior despite it being closed weeks ago.

A security team at the site turned the renegade motorists away after key entrances were blocked, and parked vehicles parked on the main A635 Greenfield to Holmfirth Road caused problems..

A spokesperson for the Dovestones Partnership said: "Dovestone is no different to other parks and recreation sites that are closed to ensure social distancing. 

“The Government advice remains the same - stay local, stay home, save lives.

"Our position hasn't changed.

"The car parks are shut and if you turn up you will be turned away.”

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