Police are trying to trace a pair of teenagers allegedly caught shooting guinea fowl and pheasants on a farmer's land near Blackawton without permission.

The farmer who found the 14 and 15-year-olds on his land confiscated the two air rifles they were using after confronting them at around noon on Sunday, November 18.

He then contacted the police and handed the two rifles over to them.

A police spokesman said the farmer did not want any further action taken against the two youngsters except for the police to give them a talking to.

He said officers wanted to find the two 'lads' so they can be given some 'advice' along with their air rifles.

'No crime has been committed and they are not in any real trouble,' he said. 'They just need to be spoken to.'

If no one claims the air weapons, they will be destroyed.

He said if the boys want to come forward they should call the police 101 number, make an appointment to turn up at Dartmouth police station with an appropriate adult in tow.