LAMBS stolen from a farm near Scarborough could have potentially harmful meat because they had recently been dipped.

Police are appealing for information after 25 lambs were taken from a field at Riggs Head, Irton Moor Lane, near Scarborough – the theft was reported on August 9 but it is believed to have happened on July 26.

The the gate to the lamb's field was left open by the suspects and the lambs were allowed free, and it is believed 25 of them were subsequently stolen.

The lambs had recently been dipped and it is possible that their meat could cause illness if consumed. Officers are currently awaiting the results of tests to determine the level of risk, but are advising members of the public to be cautious of any lamb offered for sale under dubious circumstances and to contact police if they have been offered any cheap lamb meat for sale.

They are appealing for anyone with information about suspicious people or vehicles seen in the area at the time to call police on 101.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC 1279 Paul Gibson-Hodges. You can also email paul.gibson-hodges@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12180147407