TWO yobs attacked pet alpacas with makeshift weapons in an ‘unprovoked and mindless attack’.

Police and politicians have branded the incident in the grounds of a Haslingden residential home as ‘senseless’ violence.

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The attack follows an incident only a few months ago when teenagers broke into the grounds and fired nails from a nail gun at the alpacas.

After that bosses at Danesmoor Residential Care Home in Helmshore Road had CCTV cameras installed, fearing further attacks.

The cameras recorded this latest outrage.

Fortunately the alpacas, Bill and Ben, suffered no major injuries, but residential home owner Michael Lane said if the attacks continue he might have to get rid of the animals, which are favourites with the residents.

“Everyone at the home is absolutely distraught that someone would do this to the animals,” said Mr Lane, who has run the home with his wife Janette for the past three years.

“We have all been kids and got up to mischief. But this is beyond my thinking. It’s not normal behaviour.

“The residents’ really love these animals but if they become too frightened then we’ll have to get rid of them.

“They’re absolutely delightful animals. They’re so lovely-looking but they’re quite skittish in nature. Why would someone want to hurt these animals?

“They have not done anything to anybody. It’s mindless violence. I just want it to stop.”

The attack happened at 10.15pm on Tuesday after two men entered the field and threw a large wooden bench and two plastic garden chairs at the alpacas. They then broke into the enclosure and chased the alpacas with one of the broken legs from the chairs.

Police are studying CCTV of the incident, but are yet to make any arrests.

A spokesman said: “This unprovoked and mindless attack on two defenceless animals is a disgrace to say the very least and Rossendale police will be doing everything within their power to identify and robustly deal with the two males involved.

“If you know anything about this incident or you know the people involved then we would like you to speak to us as soon as possible.

“The alpacas are there for the elderly residents to enjoy and it is simply intolerable that they should be subjected to this sort of behaviour, not to mention scaring the vulnerable residents at the home and the staff.”

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said: “It’s shocking. There’s no reason to attack animals that have a good sense of wellbeing. It’s just senseless violence. These people should be dealt with severely.”

Rossendale Cllr Granville Morris, who represents the Greenfield ward, said: “It’s disgraceful that anyone could do this. I am just shocked and disgusted, It’s amazing what people will do to animals. For somebody to be so malicious and callus, it’s unbelievable.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01706 237367 or email 3944@lancashire.pnn.police.uk