BURGLARS poisoned a number of lambs and painted them blue during a break-in at stables.

The break-in happened in Castle Hills in Springwell Lane, Northallerton, on Tuesday night.

A police spokesman said the lambs were fed something which left them in discomfort, and painted with blue paint. The offenders also injured a horse. It is not clear whether anything was stolen.

PC Adam Scott, of Northallerton Police, said: “Whoever broke into this stables has left the animals suffering in pain. They need to understand the consequences of their actions and the distress they have caused.

“Due to the location of the stables in the Castle Hills, it is possible the offenders approached them along Springwell Lane or from Romanby. If you were in the area at the time when the animals were injured, I ask you to contact the police immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.