Hundreds Of Sheep Branded With Smiley Face

A mysterious smiley face has appeared stamped on the side of hundreds of sheep across the UK. The odd image was first spotted on 20 animals grazing in a field in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. There have since been sightings in a further five fields, from Perthshire in Scotland to Exeter, 500 miles away in Devon.

Pranksters are being blamed for the bizarre branding - but some internet users are convinced aliens are responsible. Farmers, meanwhile, are scratching their heads - wondering why their flocks have been targeted.