POLICE in Catterick are warning horse owners to be on their guard after two horses had their tails cut off in an isolated field in the Catterick area.

The horses were stabled in a field at Colburn Grange Farm, Colburn near Catterick Garrison.

Between 5am and 3pm on Wednesday, November 9 the offenders cut the tail off two horses in the field. They then returned some time between 7pm and 7am today and cut off more hair from one of the tails.

The horses were physically uninjured during the incidents, but both the owners and the horses have been left very distressed.

PC Nicola Pattinson of Catterick Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "These are bizarre incidents and we are concerned that they may be a way of marking horses in preparation for theft.

"We are urging all horse owners to be vigilant and make sure their equine security is up to date and activated at all times.

"Police officers will be carrying out increased patrols in the area to deter any further intruders.

"In the meantime, please be alert and contact the police if you see any suspicious or unknown vehicles in your area, or anyone acting suspiciously. Take registration numbers if you can and call the police straight away."

Anyone with any information about the Colburn incident is asked to contact PC Pattinson on 0845 60 60 247, quoting reference 12110190243.

Or you can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.