A FARM manager has been devastated by the senseless slaughter of one of his rare pigs.

David Devine was horrified to find the Saddleback sow stabbed to death in a wheelbarrow with one of its ears missing when he turned up for work yesterday.

Two other pigs were also attacked overnight at the Larchfield Community Farm, in Middlesbrough.

Mr Devine said: "It was pretty sick. They had stabbed it and put it in a wheelie bin, presumably to take it away and try to sell it.

"It beggars belief why they did it. I just couldn't believe my eyes when I came into work."

A vet has warned Mr Devine that the next couple of days are vital for the survival prospects of one of the other pigs.

"The pigs were absolutely terrified when we came in this morning," he said.

"We couldn't get near them because they were really frightened.

"We had just bought in these pigs and they were quite tame compared to the rest, who are wild because they are left outside all the time."

The farm is a land-based residential community for adults with learning difficulties and currently houses about 30 residents.

Work is mainly on the land but there is a weavery, wood workshop, bakery, butchers and a food processing workshop. Produce is sold in Larchfield through a coffee bar and a small shop.

Forensic officers from Cleveland Police were at the farm last night and PC Robert Mills is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

He said: "This was a horrific attack on these defenceless animals and I would ask anyone who knows anything to get in touch."

Anyone with any information is urged to call PC Mills on 01642-303126 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.