POLICE are trying to track down modern-day rustlers after a raid on a farm in North Yorkshire.

The thieves stole 30 lambs from a field near Oulston, Thirsk, sometime between Friday January 11 and Monday January 14.

The animals involved were all nine-month-old Texel lambs and all were distinctive as they had a large letter “R” painted on their backs.

Police are now appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity or vehicle to contact them as soon as possible.

They are also keen to speak to anyone who may have been offered the lambs for sale – either alive of slaughtered.

Investigator PC Julia Kessell said: “I am asking villagers across the area to keep an eye out for people and vehicles they don’t recognise. If something seems out of the ordinary contact police immediately.”

Anyone who can help with this enquiry is asked to contact Thirsk police on 101, select option two and ask for Julie Kessell. Alternatively information can be emailed to Julie.kessell@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.