Police are investigating a report that a man was threatened with a rifle during an attempted stock theft in the State’s Riverina last week.

A man was driving in the Bidgeemia area – 100km south west of Wagga Wagga – about 7.15am last Friday (19 August 2016), when he saw a truck backed up against a fence.

The man stopped to investigate and saw three men attempting to load sheep into the truck. As he went closer, he was threatened by a man armed with a rifle and he moved away.

The would-be stock thieves left empty-handed and, despite the threat, the man followed the truck as it was driven towards Urana before he was again threatened by one of the men armed with a rifle.

The man reported the incident to police and an investigation was initiated by the Wagga Wagga Rural Crime Investigator (RCI) .

The RCI is now appealing for anyone with information about the truck, or the men involved, to contact police at Wagga Wagga.

The truck was described as being a white stock carrier; at the time it was seen it had no front or rear registration plates.

The men were described being either of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern or Asian in appearance, all aged between 25 and 40, with dark complexions, long, black shoulder-length hair and long full beards.

Officers warn against anyone approaching the truck or occupants if found, and instead to alert police immediately.