The sculptures were recently installed at the entrance to the town

The artwork, on the Cannards Grave roundabout at Shepton Mallet, was made to commemorate the origins of the town as a sheep enclosure.

Created by local sculptor Jeff Body, working with a community group, the sheep had only been placed at the site a few weeks before the attack.

Overnight on 2 August, vandals hit the concrete creatures with a hammer.

Project manager Phil Ledbury said: "This damage has not been caused through any accident, but has been done maliciously.

"It is beyond me that someone would get gratification from doing this and I think it is very sad."

The sculpture was funded by local firm Framptons - and the company's bosses have reassured local people that the damage will be repaired as soon as possible.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police.