SICK yobs hacked off the manes and tails from 15 horses in a twisted attack.

Police have been left puzzled as to the motive behind the crime, which saw the group of animals targeted in North Lanarkshire.

Thieves broke into a field near Waterhead Farm, in Cumbernauld, and hacked off their long manes and tails.

Cops were called in after horrified owners discovered the horses' hair had been cut when bringing in the animals from the field.

It happened near Palacerigg Country Park a week ago.

A source said: "Police don't know why the horses were targeted, it could be a specific attack or the act of mindless vandals."

While the animals were not injured, because their tails were cut off below the bone, the horses may have been left shaken by their ordeal.

Horses rely on their tails to swat away flies and it can take around a decade for the tail to grow back.

Police are encouraging horse and pony owners are to be vigilant after the incident.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "We received a report of 15 horses having parts of their tails and manes cut off.

"It is believed to have taken place overnight when the horses were out in the field, near Waterhead Farm in Cumbernauld. Inquiries are continuing."

Officers stressed that the animals were not injured during the "mane hacking" incident, which is believed to have taken place last Friday night.

Horsehair is used in upholstery, violin bows, belts, hat bands and tail extensions, and is usually imported in bulk from abroad.

In recent years, there have been sporadic attacks on horses across Scotland.

Two horses had their forelock and manes hacked off in the space of a week in the Lothians.

In 2012, one animal was targeted in the Bonally area of Edinburgh, and the other in West Lothian.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk