A HORRIFIED farmer has been targeted by cattle killers who stabbed one animal to death with a pitch fork and threw lumps of concrete at others.

Detectives were today due to exhume the body of the dead heifer for an examination as part of their inquiry.

And the RSPCA labelled those responsible as "evil".

Farmer Rex Lord, of Carry Lane, Colne, made the gruesome discovery in the early hours.

He said the scene of death and injury was the most horrific thing he had seen in more than 60 years of farming.

Police officers who visited the scene described it as "horrendous".

Mr Lord, 73, who has rented the smallholding of cows and sheep for the past 12 years, said: "I went up to the farm at about 8am to check on the herd and I was met with the most terrible scene.

"Several of the animals were wandering outside the pen and I thought someone had just let them out, but then I noticed several had cuts and limps on them and I knew they had been attacked.

"Then I saw one of them lying in the shed with blood pouring from its mouth and ears.

"The poor thing must have lain there all night barely alive and suffering terrible pain.

"I just cannot comprehend why anyone would want to do anything like this, these people are clearly dangerous and could start attacking people next. They must be stopped."

PC Phil Davies, of Colne police, said: "Several bulls were attacked with lumps of concrete but one was stabbed through the head and neck with a pitch fork.

"The farmer made the discovery and called the police."

Police were due to return to the farm today along with a vet and forensic scientist to exhume the body of the dead heifer and carry out a post mortem examination in a bid to find out exactly how it died.

The attack, on Wednesday, has been condemned by animal protection groups who described the slaughter as evil.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "We would certainly condemn this horrific attack and question how anyone could commit such an evil offence.

"We would urge anyone who knows anything about it to contact the police or ourselves on our dedicated cruelty line 0870 555 999."

Police are also appealing to anyone with any information to get in touch. They can be contacted on 01282 425001 or through Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.