A new Forest pony had his mane hacked off in the latest of a string of brutal attacks on horses.

Nine-year-old Tom had his long mane chopped off with scissors by vandals who attacked him in his field at the South Down Equestrian Centre, in Bear Road, Brighton.

It is the most recent in a spate of sickening attacks on horses at the centre, which is near Brighton racecourse, and horse owners are appealing for help in catching the culprits.

The latest assault comes only a week after seven-year-old Charlotte Waters' pony, Cash, was pelted with stones in a field at the centre.

The distressed pony was left covered with bald patches and cuts.

Her mother, Michelle Waters, 28, of Coldean, Brighton, who works at the centre, said: "It seems to be getting worse with something happening every other day now.

"We are having vandalism. They let the horses out, smash the locks we put on the gates and were spotted in the field with ropes the other week trying to catch the ponies and ride them."

She added: "I don't think they realise what sort of damage they are doing. They are not just going to end up killing the ponies but people as well if they let them out on the main road."

A couple of ponies at the centre have also been slashed.

Sussex police have promised to step up patrols in the area in the wake of the incidents.

Anyone with information should call Brighton police on 0845 6070 999.