Officers investigate as farm and riding centre targeted

POLICE are investigating after part of a horse’s mane was cut off at a Lothian farm.

A suspect entered a paddock in Drumshoreland Road in Pumpherston, West Lothian, on Monday and cut the forelock off a three-year-old pony.

The horse was uninjured, but its owners are now unable to show the animal at forthcoming events.

Meanwhile, a padlock on a gate has been forced off at the West Lothian Riding for the Disabled venue.

The incident happened between 8pm on Monday and 9am on Tuesday.

Staff at the farmland, which is located on the A904 road at Abercorn, said nothing appeared to have been stolen but police believe it was a malicious act.

A police spokesman said: “Local officers will be visiting all rural land in the surrounding areas of these properties to offer appropriate crime prevention advice to workers and residents.”