Vandals target city's Cow Parade

The exhibits are auctioned for charity

Vandals have damaged about 12 brightly decorated fibreglass cows as they 'grazed' for a Manchester street art exhibition.

More than 150 cows are on show for the Cow Parade in the city centre, each decorated by a local business, group or organisation.

Damage ranges from scuff marks and graffiti to broken horns, ears and udder parts.

One of the exhibits in St Ann's Square has been damaged with a hammer.

The bronze Miss Mooney Penny, based in Spinningfields, has had several pennies decorating its head stolen.

Some of the cows have been taken to 'cow hospital'

An exhibition spokesperson said the damaged exhibits are being treated at a specially constructed cow hospital - a warehouse owned by exhibition sponsors, Bruntwood.

Cow Parade began in Zurich in 1998 where local businesses created the event to increase tourism and commerce and has raised over £7m for charitable causes from the auction of cows at the conclusion of the event.

The Manchester exhibits will be auctioned to raise cash for Manchester Kids, a charity set up by radio stations Key 103 and Magic 1152.