RIDERS are being warned to be on their guard after a horse was attacked by thugs.

They struck as the animal grazed in a field near Stourport-on-Severn, slashing its rump with a knife.

A vet treated the injury and the horse is said to be making a good recovery.

An inquiry is underway and police are desperate to catch the attackers.

They also want to know if the incident, in the early hours of Monday, October 7, is isolated or if the culprits have struck before or since.

"We're conducting an investigation and need to know if there have been any other incidents," said PC Andy Brooks, of Stourport police, who is leading the hunt for the thugs.

"If anyone has a horse that's been subject to a similar attack, or has seen anything suspicious in the area of the attack, we'd urge them to contact us."

The owner of the injured horse was too upset to talk to the Press today and asked police not to release further details.

The slashing is the second attack in Worcestershire this year.

In January, Powick rider Fiona Anderson was horrified when raiders hacked off part of her horse's tail.

The pure-blood Arab mare, Tia, was so distressed she had to be sedated before she would walk back into her paddock.

At the time, Ms Anderson, a Worcester Sixth Form College tutor, believed the thugs responsible carried out the attack to make Tia identifiable to steal later.

Anyone with information on the Stourport attack should contact Kidderminster police on 01562 820888.