PAGAN worshippers may be responsible for an outbreak of horse mane ‘weaving’ in Mid Devon, police believe.

For the past three months officers have feared that the horses were being marked for theft by organised criminals until it became apparent that none of them had disappeared.

Now they think white witches, who practise ‘knot magick’, are using the horses to help them cast spells.

Pagan gods are thought to have a close connection with horses, which are considered to be a symbol of power.

PC Jeff Howley, neighbourhood beat manager for Cullompton, said: “At the moment we don’t know of any motive for the plaiting.

“To start with we thought they were being marked for theft, but that’s clearly not the case.

“One motive from Dorset Police, who are also investigating a number of cases, is that it may be a pagan ritual.

“It’s hard for us to judge at the moment, but any speculation will have to be considered.”

Though the braiding caused no physical harm, some owners have reported changes in their horses’ behaviour.

Nearly 20 animals have been marked in Hemyock, Culmstock, Clayhidon and the Culm Valley since the start of November.