POLICE are appealing for witnesses after around 460 chickens were snatched from a Kent farm.

The birds, worth £1,700, were stolen from a farm in Boughton Monchelsea, near Maidstone, at some point between December 31 and January 1.

It’s believed burglars gained access to the birds – which were kept in a free range environment - by cutting a hole in two of the wire fence panels near to the farms outbuildings.

A white Ford transit van was seen in the area at the time.

Police said it was not yet possible to tell whether the crime was motivated by animal rights or the birds’ financial value.

Anyone with further information on the incident should contact police in Mid Kent on 01622 690055 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.