TWO black swans have been stolen from land near the Wye Valley village of Brockweir over the weekend.

Forest police are appealing for information after the theft.

The pair of Australian black swans, which have red beaks and white tips to their wings are valued at around £250 in total. Both have had a wing clipped so are unable to fly and are described as very friendly and at ease when approached by people.

There are no signs the swans were taken by a fox or similar animals and police say it is believed they could have been stolen to order.

The theft occurred between 9am on Friday, November 19 and 4.30pm last Sunday, November 21.

Anyone with information is urged to call Gloucestershire Police on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident 266 of November 22.