Residents of East Kilbride have been left shocked and angry at the mutilation of one of the town's best known landmarks, above.

Neighbours in Mallard Crescent woke to find vandals had chopped the trunks off the ornamental elephants on the road.

Mrs Isobel Riddett, said: ''It's almost like suffering a bereavement. We all feel very angry that someone should do this to our landmark.''

The two-feet high animals have been a favourite with children since they were brought to the suburb 21 years ago.

Another resident, Mrs Charlotte Allan, hoped the council would restore the elephants.

''My children, who are now in their 20s, love those animals because they played such a big part in their childhood.''

But local councillor Archie Buchanan said: ''I have looked at the elephants and they look too bad to be repaired.''