Twenty lambs have been stolen from a farmer who says he could “pick them out” from a field full of sheep.

Twenty five-month-old Texen-cross lambs were stolen from Andrew Darke, Halwell Farm, South Pool, between 9am on Tuesday, August 15, and 12pm on Thursday, August 17.

Mr Darke said he had “never known anything like this” happening to him or anyone he knows in the area and asked anyone who sees them or knows where they are to contact him.

He said the police didn’t hold out much hope of finding the sheep, but was keen to let local farmers know that this was happening.

“If anyone sees them or knows where they are, I really want them back. I could pick them out if they have been put in with other ewes and lambs”. He said the lambs are worth between £80-90 each.

A Kingsbridge police officer posted on Facebook, saying: “If anyone has any information to assist us in the investigation then please get in touch quoting CR/70689/17.

“Farmers - Please be aware that this type of crime is taking place and take appropriate security measures.”

Andrew Darke also asked us to publish his mobile number, 07966 697080, for anyone to call if they know where his sheep are.