A Helston farmer has talked of his 'heartbreak' after a dog attack left 22 newborn lambs savaged on a Porthleven farm on Monday, killing 14 of them.

Two dogs were seen to rip into the spring lambs, some of which were as young as two weeks old.

The attack at Methleigh Farm, at Methleigh Bottoms, has left sheep farmers Hugh and Sally Dawson devastated.

Mrs Dawson said: “It’s heartbreaking. We’re all a bit on tenterhooks – until those dogs are found it could happen again. We’re all a bit anxious.”

Farm worker Ben Coleman discovered the two dogs chasing the lambs around a field just above the port’s cricket club, at around 6.15am on Monday.

He chased the dogs – described as a black collie and a small brown mongrel – which ran out towards the road, before going back to tend to the injured lambs.

Falmouth Packet:

Mr Dawson was due to keep watch on Monday night, to make sure the dogs did not return, and is likely to continue doing so for the next few nights.

The lambs have been moved as close to the yard as possible.

Mrs Dawson said the farm had not had such a problem for around 20 years, adding: “Most people are very good with their dogs and don’t let them off on their own.”

She added that there were no owners in sight, which suggested the dogs were running loose.

“It’s just devastating. We’ve just had a very successful lambing – it’s been a really good season.

We went from being on a high to this awful feeling,” she said.

“We just wanted to get the message out there, please can everyone keep their eye out for these dogs.”

Anyone with information is asked to call PCSO Jon Bell at Helston Police Station on 101, ref AH14/481.