A horse owner has hit out after her animal was left with a gaping wound after being impaled on a pole.

Caroline Neale had been celebrating her 33rd birthday when she heard her horse had been injured.

It is thought youths had been chasing Flicker in a field off Main Road, Dovercourt.

They either deliberately attacked him or the horse injured himself as he was being chased.

Mrs Neale, of Primrose Lane, Ramsey, has looked after Flicker for 22 years.

She said: "He has got this horrendous injury, it's a dreadful thing. The vet could get the whole of his fist in the wound."

Metal poles were found in the field along with balloons, which it is thought had been burst to frighten the four horses which were in the field.

Mrs Neale, who works at DFDS at Harwich, said Flicker was 28 years old and added: "At that age he's not silly, he is very sensible and careful. I don't believe he could have done that to himself.

"If anybody saw anything suspicious I would like them to come forward."

The three other horses which were in the same field but not injured have now been moved for their own safety. Barbara Lucey, mother of the horse's owner Caroline Neale, said: "They have done the most appalling injuries to him, I'm so upset. My daughter was absolutely distraught."

The incident happened on Saturday or Sunday morning. Flicker was taken to a vet's hospital and is expected to remain there for the next few days.

Betty Eagle, owner of the farm where the attack took place, said youths were seen chasing the horses.

Anyone with information should call Harwich Police on 01255 241312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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