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

The horses, which were stabled in a field at Colburn Grange Farm, in Colburn, near Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, were attacked some time between 5am and 3pm yesterday.

The offenders then returned between 7pm yesterday and 7am today and cut more hair from one of the tails.

The horses were physically uninjured during the incidents, but both they and their owners 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.