Police are seeking witnesses following an incident involving a dog in Delph Woods, Broadstone.

At around noon on Sunday 4 December a woman was riding her horse on a public bridleway when they were approached by a woman with a dog, described as a black or brindle-coloured Staffordshire bull terrier and whippet cross with a muzzle.

The dog reportedly attacked the woman’s horse, lunging at its chest. It was reported that the dog continued to aggressively lunge at the horse until it was able to kick it away. The dog’s owner then came and dragged it away.

The woman with the dog is described as being aged in her 50s and around five feet five inches tall with grey or red curly hair.

Police community support officer, Pete Raymond, said: “This incident could have caused serious injuries to the rider if the horse had bolted, and we are carrying our enquiries to identify the dog and owner involved.

“I would urge anyone with information to please contact us and would also urge the owner to do the right thing and come forward so we can take your account of what happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220198791. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.