POLICE are hunting for three ferrets after they were stolen from a house last night.

Hampshire Constabulary says the animals were taken from the garden of a home in Romsey overnight and are urging anyone with information to get in touch.

The two-year-old female ferrets were kept in the back garden of a property in Old Road and the owner discovered they were missing when he went out to them this morning, at about 9.45am.

One of the creatures was silver and white, while the other two were white and ginger.

All three had brown eyes.

Countrywatch Officer PC Steve Rogerson said: “They will more than likely be used for ferreting due to their age and sex and the owner is concerned that they will be killed at the end of the season once they have had their use.

“This is a rare incident, the animals were not worth a great deal of money but were pets and so have sentimental attachment.

“The offenders would have known the ferrets were there and would probably be local.

“We are advising other animal owners in the area to ensure any outdoor cages have heavy duty padlocks and consider CCTV and security lighting.”

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101, quoting reference 44160016671.