A hunt has been launched for a dog owner whose animal attacked horses and their riders on a beach.

Photographs emerged earlier this week and now police have issued an appeal after the alleged attack at Camber Sands, which left one of the animals injured.

It is reported the horses were out exercising on the beach when at around 10.30am on New Year's Eve, a black and white English bull terrier chased and jumped up at two horses.

The dog then chased after two other horses and jumped up trying to bite both animals and their riders.

A grey horse was bitten on its right shoulder and needed to be given treatment.

Witnesses said the dog was initially on its lead but straining to get away but was let off and headed straight for one of the horses.

They added the horse was scared and kicked out almost throwing the rider off before bolting off down the beach with the dog hanging on before trying to jump up at the rider.

Police were called and carried out a search of the area before taking statements from witnesses and people out walking on the beach at the time.

Sussex Police have now asked for people on the beach at the time and who witnessed the incident to come forward.

The suspect officers are hoping to trace is described as a white man with dark hair who was wearing a red coat, yellow scarf, blue jeans and Wellington boots.

It is believed he was accompanied by a woman.

Anyone with information who might be able to help police is asked to contact police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting serial 426 of 31/12.