HORSE owners are being urged to stay vigilant following a report of suspicious activity in Purbeck.

A spokesman from Dorset Police said a horse's mane was plaited overnight between Wednesday, October 15, and Thursday, October 16. The horse was in a field in the East Stoke area at the time.

“Many people believe that this is a sign that the horse is being marked to be stolen,” the force spokesman said.

“Although we cannot say for sure why this has happened, we always remind people to review their security at the stables or fields.”

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Police on 101 quoting crime reference number 16:0097.