A HORSE and her newborn foal were attacked by sick yobs who tried to lead them on to a railway track.

The shocking attack happened near Warners Bridge, Rochford, and could have caused an accident on the Southend Victoria line.

New mother Rose, a six-year-old black cob, was in a field with her two-day-old foal, Socks, when she was attacked.

The thugs are thought to have hit Rose in the face, as she has been left with a nasty bump on her nose.

They also cut off the mare’s tail and forelock, before doing the same to her four-year-old daughter, Kate, who was also in the field.

An attempt was made to take the horses on to the railway, before they were abandoned in the road a mile away, by Waitrose supermarket, Southend, in the early hours of Friday.

Police are appealing for information about the incident and would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time.

Anyone with information should call Rochford neighbourhood policing team on 0300 3334444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.