POLICE are looking for a man who is believed to have been kicked in the head by a horse after riding it bareback.

Officers are investigating the reported theft of a horse and equipment from the Waterston area near Dorchester and are trying to trace a man who is believed to have been kicked in the head by the horse involved.

The horse was allegedly stolen between 7.30pm on Saturday, August 6 and the morning of Sunday, August 7. Four head collars were also stolen.

The horse was found nearby on the morning of Sunday August 7 and has been returned to its owner, but has sustained several injuries.

Following enquiries by Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, a 20-year-old man from the Dorchester area was arrested on suspicion of theft of a horse and tack. He has been released under investigation.

Police Constable Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “Following enquiries, it has now been reported that a man may have sustained injuries after being kicked in the head by the horse and was approaching members of the public for assistance during the evening of Saturday, August 6 after being dropped in the Poundbury area.

“The man had reportedly sustained a kick mark to his head as well as an injury to his arm and is described as white, around five feet five inches tall with brown hair and wearing red jogging bottoms.

“We are keen to identify this man to establish his wellbeing and speak to him as part of our investigation.

“I would urge anyone who has come across a man in the area who has sustained unexplained injuries that may have been caused in this manner to please come forward.

“We are also pleased to update that the officers have visited the horse involved and she is recovering well. We would like to thank members of the public for the concern they have shown.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting reference 55220127991. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity crime stoppers online or call them on 0800 555 111.