News

Press reports say three people were lucky to escape unharmed after a horse kicked it's hooves through a car windscreen at the annual East Sussex and Romney Marsh Boxing Day drag hunt.

The animal was believed to have been 'nudged' by a horse and cart and jumped up onto the silver Renault, smashing the windscreen before rolling over the roof of the vehicle in front of horrified onlookers in Battle, East Sussex.

Neither the rider, nor the occupants of the the car were injured, but it's believed the horse sustained a cut leg in the incident.

Police have branded the Boxing Day meet as 'chaotic' and accused some riders of ignoring traffic regulations.

Several riders allegedly ignored 'one way' signs and animals were allowed to block the High Street.

It was reported a pensioner was shaken, but uninjured when pulled out of the way of an oncoming horse after a rider ignored the man as he used the zebra crossing.

Meanwhile another horse blocked the same zebra crossing after it's owner allegedly left the animal tied up outside a public house as he called in for a drink.

Sgt Chris Russell said: "I have got no issues against the event itself, but they have got to take some responsibility as they are using a public road and have to abide by the same rules as everyone else.

"Some of them acted irresponsibly and did not have due consideration for other people and vehicles using the High Street."

Police did not hand out any cautions or make any arrests.

Sgt Russell said no action would be take against the driver of the horse and cart which caused the horse to bolt.