A RADCLIFFE farmer could become one of the first in the country to be prosecuted after breaking foot and mouth regulations.

Mr Andrew Stott, who runs Coney Green Farm with his father Albert, was interviewed on Saturday afternoon (March 3) after two separate calls were received from members of the public over the transportation of livestock, currently banned under emergency measures.

Mr Stott collected three pregnant ewes from Jackson Farm in Ringley Road West, Radcliffe, and took them back to his farm in his Land Rover. Fears that the animals were suffering from a deficiency disorder were proven later when two of the sheep died as a result of "twin lamb disease".

Admitting that he knew he had contravened the movement of lifestock restrictions, Mr Stott said he was concerned for the sheep.

He said: "I couldn't just leave them in a poorly state in a field."

Environmental health bosses in Bury are currently deciding whether to prosecute in light of Mr Stott's actions

Mr Andrew Johnson of Bury's Environmental Health division said: "At this moment we are investigating a number of matters."