A FARMER says his cows have been going thirsty – after thieves stole a water tank from his field.

Tony Rastall, of Pershore Lane, Hindlip, Worcester, says he cannot work out how the raiders got away with the one-tonne steel water tank.

The tank served 11 cows in one of his fields at Coney Bury Cottage farm, off Parsonage Way, in Worcester.

Mr Rastall, aged 70, thinks the theft took place on Thursday or Friday and says it will cost him £1,500.

He said: "It's a mystery how they got this thing out.

"I can't understand how they got it away.

"It must weigh a tonne when it's empty. They must have a tractor. There are no tracks.

"They cut the wire by the gatepost and lifted the gate off its hinges, took the water tank out and then closed the gate behind them.

"At least that was considerate [closing the gate]."

Mr Rastall says his cows have been thirsty since the water tank was taken.

"They are panting. I've been over twice this morning. I've taken water over and some milk churns," he said.

"I want to let as many people know as possible. I want to have this back. I reported it on Saturday morning.

"It's essential to me. They have taken it out of the field where my cows were drinking water out of it.

"There's no other water there. As we speak I'm taking another water tank out to them.

"This one will have to do for the time being but it's not big enough for the amount of cattle out there.

"I'll have to refill it every other day whereas before it was once a week."

The 500-gallon tank is one of two water tanks made by Mr Rastall and measures about 8ft long and 6ft wide.

Anyone with information about the theft should call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident number 287s of June 24.