LOOSE sheep that ran out onto the M4 had to be resc-ewe-d earlier today.

The fluffy farmyard animals escaped near the footpath that passes over the motorway from Coate Water between Junctions 15 and 16.

The farmer and his dog returned them home safely with the help of Highways England traffic officers.

A spokesman said: "They were quickly located by our barrrmy traffic officers and taken to safety by the local farmer and his dog.

"The sheep were issued safety advice and barrrred from the motorway

"A busy day for us here in the south west."

One annoyed commenter claimed that such incidents happened "too often" with horses, cows and sheep which could be "putting lives at risk".

The Highways England spokesman replied: "Fences are checked by our highway inspectors and this is a rare incident in the south west.

"Sadly it does happen and on this occasion no one was put in any danger."