Illegal metal detectorists have triggered a police hunt after they trespassed the grounds of an historic castle.
Officials say they are investigating an incident of 'nighthawking' in Lydford where the intruders left multiple holes in their wake.
The target was medieval Lydford Castle and Saxon Town in Lydford on the fringe of Dartmoor.
Nighthawking involves trespassing on land and stealing historical objects for profit or personal gain and is considered 'heritage theft'.
The area boasts two castles - a post Conquest castle and a 13th century stone tower which was used as a prison.
