Mindless, says horse officer

The police officer in charge of the stables where the horse most seriously hurt in last night's rioting is being treated today described the hooligans who caused the injury as "mindless".

Inspector Steve Lorrigan said: "It is mindless and I cannot fathom their mentality. Luckily none of the horses will have to be destroyed." The animal most seriously injured, Alamein, suffered a severed artery in a foreleg. Mr Lorrigan said he would recover fully but would be out of action for at least three weeks.

He was injured as another mounted officer fell from his frightened horse, causing Alamein to crash into a car.