Warning after outbreak tape cut

Surrey has had five confirmed foot-and-mouth cases since August

Taped cordons securing a foot-and-mouth protection zone in Surrey have been cut.

Police patrols have been stepped up around Shortwood Common, between Staines and Ashford, particularly at Queens Walk.

Keep Out signs have been ignored and No Entry barrier tape around the restricted area has been broken.

There have been five confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth in Surrey, with a sixth suspected one being investigated.

Food and farming department Defra said on Friday that about 40 cattle feared to have the disease had been slaughtered on a farm within the 3km (1.86-mile) protection zone.

Shortwood Common lies in the Spelthorne borough of Surrey, the south and west of which are inside the protection zone.

These restrictions are necessary and enforceable to prevent potential spread of the disease Insp Sarah Greenhalgh

Insp Sarah Greenhalgh, of Surrey Police, said: "The signs put there by trading standards, [as well as] the barrier tape and the disinfectant make it clear this is a restricted area.

"We want to send a message to those who are choosing to breach the cordon that they should be mindful that they are leaving themselves open to arrest.

"We understand that many fisherman cut across this land on a regular basis and we would ask them, despite the inconvenience, to find somewhere else to fish while the cordons are in place.

"However unpopular they may be, members of the public should be reminded that these restrictions are necessary and enforceable to prevent potential spread of the disease."